Reduced island-hopping fare for local residents to PHP 20

Reduced island-hopping fare for local residents to PHP 20

In a bid to revive the city's tourism industry and support local boat operators, the Lapu-Lapu City Government has announced a significant reduction in the environmental fee for local tourists using island hopping services. The new fee stands at P20, a marked decrease from the previous P100.

The policy change, part of the newly amended City Ordinance 16-132-2023, approved by the City Council on July 30, 2025, aims to make the environmental fee more affordable for local residents while still supporting environmental protection efforts.

The environmental fee, initially introduced on May 1, 2024, was intended to promote sustainable tourism and finance environmental preservation projects, such as the development of a tourist hub at Maribago Port. Revenue from the fee supports various initiatives by the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, including the acquisition of dump trucks, coral reef restoration, and clean-up drives.

However, the sharp decline in island-hopping tourists following the fee's implementation prompted the policy change. Concerns about income losses and the fee's adverse impact on the livelihoods of local boatmen were raised during a public hearing in May.

The new fee applies exclusively to local tourists using pump boats operated by Lapu-Lapu resident boatmen who hold valid, City-issued business permits. The P100 fee for foreign tourists remains unchanged. The policy change also includes exemptions for children and seniors.

Accredited operators can be identified by permits displayed on their boats and are verified against a list provided to fee collectors by the Business Permit and Licensing Office. This ensures that only legitimate operators benefit from the reduced fee.

The adjustment implies a more inclusive fee schedule that eases the financial burden on local tourists, potentially encouraging more local tourism and participation in environmental conservation programs. It also signifies the government’s recognition of the need to balance environmental funding with social equity, especially for vulnerable groups like children and seniors.

The amendment will take effect after fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Local Government Code, including publication of the ordinance in newspapers of general circulation. Lapu-Lapu City, known for its water sports, resorts, and island hopping activities, hopes that this policy change will help boost its tourism industry and support local boat operators.

[1] Source: Lapu-Lapu City Government Press Release, August 1, 2025.

1. The Lapu-Lapu City Government's new policy aims to make the environmental fee more affordable for local residents, supporting sustainable tourism while also financing environmental preservation projects.
2. The reduction in the environmental fee for local tourists using island hopping services is inclusive, easing the financial burden on them and potentially encouraging more local tourism.
3. The business permits held by accredited local boat operators will enable them to benefit from the reduced environmental fee, helping to support their livelihoods.
4. The Lapu-Lapu City Government's policy change signifies a balance between environmental funding and social equity, providing exemptions for children and seniors.

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