The Siquijor provincial government will begin collecting a Tourism Ecological Fee from visitors effective Feb. 1, the Siquijor Provincial Tourism Office announced on Thursday, Jan. 29.
A Siquijor provincial government statement said the initiative aims to support environmental protection, sustainable tourism development, and the preservation of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-006, domestic and foreign tourists will pay P50 per person, senior citizens, and students P40, while children six years old and below are exempt.
Residents of Siquijor, or Siquijodnons, are also exempt upon presentation of a valid ID, cedula, or barangay certification.
The tourism office said the collected fees will fund environmental conservation programs, tourism infrastructure improvements, and ecological sustainability projects across the province.
Payment of the tourism ecological fee will initially be collected at the Siquijor Ticketing Office at the Siquijor Port.
The announcement also called on visitors and stakeholders to cooperate, saying the minimal fee is a proactive step to protect the island’s fragile ecosystems and ensure Siquijor remains a clean, safe, and sustainable destination for future generations.*
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