LGU Samal, Stakeholders addresses EUF concern

: 11 August 2022

LGU Samal, Stakeholders addresses EUF concern

Facilitated by the City Investment and Tourism Office, the meeting regarding the collection and utilization of the Environmental User Fee (EUF) was conducted yesterday at the SICC auditorium.

A total of 106 members and officers from Samal Island Beach Resorts Association (SIBRA), Samal Island Inland Resorts Tourist Attractions Association, Samal Island Mabuhay Accommodations Association, and Samal Island Inland Tours Association, 73 physically present and 36 via zoom, attended the meeting and participated in the active forum.

Tourism Officer, Ms. Jennifer Cariaga established the importance of EUF both in the economic growth of the City and in the preservation, conservation of the Island’s nature. "The EUF is a very vital source of revenue for the City for the programs of maintaining our environment, sustaining our environment, so that the future generation can still enjoy what we are enjoying now… to finance our environmental programs, preservation, conservation, and protection. " She said.

City Accountant Ms. Gladys Huraṅo presented the allocations of the collected EUF in the procurements, wages and programs purposive to the preservation, conservation, and protection of the environment. Environment Mgt Specialist I, Engr. Kim Joshua Garciano, presented the utilization of the procured compactors, dump trucks, and enhancement of waste management for the island wide garbage collection.

For the efficient systemized collection of the EUF, better regulation of payment irregularities, and to strengthen field collection, Computer Programmer III, Mr. Michael Palacio, introduced the Enhanced Booking System. He explained the features of the system and demonstrated its operation to the stakeholders, who were encouraged to use the system, which will be deployed in September.

It can be remembered that the EUF stirred a clamor from tourists, and this surfaced concerns from the stakeholders as business owners. During the forum that was conducted after the presentations of the concerned offices, the stakeholders raised concerns and offered suggestions.

The meeting between the city and stakeholders sought to iron out confusions through exhibiting the transparency of the utilization of the collection and generating efficient ways of using and collecting the EUF that are convenient to the tourists, stakeholders, and city.

Also present in the meeting were, City Administrator Mr. Nieljun Esdrelon, Committee Chairperson of Tourism, City Councilor Hon. Jed Enumerables and committee member, City Councilor Hon. Clavel Ann David, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Atty. Iryshell Villegas, City Treasurer Ms. Merlina Caballero, City Agriculturist Mr. Jimuel Rebigan and CENRO staff, Mr. Nelson Aquino. (CIO-IGACOS//Eli Onada// Photos By Michael Homez//)