We’ve probably all heard of the fable of the goose that laid golden eggs, and that in their hurry to get rich, the owners decided to kill the golden goose to get all her eggs. Alas, they didn’t find gold inside the goose since they only turned to gold once they were laid.
Something like this is in the offing for Apo Island and for all protected areas nationwide.
Environment & Natural Resources Sec. Regina Lopez has issued a Department Administrative Order 2016-24 increasing the diving fees for foreigners at protected areas covered by the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. From P300, it will now be P1,800. That’s the rate for foreigners. Locals pay a little less.
For starters, we’ve always wondered about the interpretation of the word “local” or “foreigner”. How do they distinguish one from the other? Does anyone who has white skin automatically become a foreigner? Do they have to show their passports before going underwater to prove their nationality?
Second, it’s not politically-correct to say foreigners have to pay a higher fee simply because they are foreigners. We don’t necessarily get the same lousy treatment when we visit other countries.
It’s a wonder whether those who made this policy have actually seen how other countries do it, or they’re making all these policies out of naiveté.
Third, the DENR is doing this the wrong way. DENR-Negros Island Region Director Al Orolfo said he will be going around the Island to talk to the different stakeholders of NIPAS areas to know their sentiments and concerns on the administrative order. That is in the future tense.
Hasn’t anyone ever done this before this AO was crafted? What’s the use of the consultations they have yet to do when this Order will already be rammed down the throats of the public next month?
As the protector and administrator of the island, the DENR, which is more powerful than the Municipal Mayor of Dauin over this island and the affairs of its constituents, has done little to solve the problem of the exorbitant boat fees charged by the pump boats. Why, for instance, can’t there be regular trips to and from the island where everyone will pay per passenger and not per boat?
It would seem that the DENR wants to make more money from this island just for the sake of making money.
Yes, change is finally coming! Whether it’s good or bad, only time will tell.
