Defying DILG Order, Boracay LGU Won't Roll Back Fees for Summer Season

As thousands of travelers prepare to flock to Boracay for the Holy Week, the local government unit (LGU) of Malay is facing heat for its refusal to roll back tourist costs. Despite a direct order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ease the financial burden on visitors, the LGU has instead integrated a higher "convenience fee" for its new digital payment system. In 2025, Boracay saw a massive influx of 60,000 tourists during the Semana Santa, a figure that pushed the island beyond its official carrying capacity. With the 2026 summer season now in full swing, stakeholders are concerned that a hidden price hike might affect the local tourists' experience.

Since March 1, travelers using the Boracay i-Pass—the digital platform for pre-paying entry requirements—have been charged a P85 convenience fee. This is a significant jump from the P35 fee previously charged under the old e-app. The move stands in stark contrast to the stance of Interior Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, who in February 2025 issued a two-week deadline for the Malay LGU to reduce its fees or implement a moratorium to support the tourism sector. However, Region 6 Tourism Director Ma. Crisanta Rodriguez confirmed that the LGU has remained firm, noting that the department recently received a decision indicating the municipality would not budge on the matter.

The financial implications of these fees are substantial, as the LGU stands to collect roughly P85 million in convenience fees alone based on an estimated one million tourists using the digital system this year. There has been no official statement from Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista regarding how these specific funds will be allocated. Furthermore, per Executive Order No. 45, the digital system was provided by an unnamed third-party integrator at "no cost" to the municipality, which has raised questions among stakeholders regarding the necessity of the steep hike in user fees.

While the Boracay i-Pass is marketed as the primary way to secure a QR code for "quicker entry," Boracay Foundation Inc. Chairman Dindo Salazar clarified that the P85 fee is not strictly mandatory, as guests can still opt to pay for the fees on-site at the jetty port upon arrival. For those choosing to pay, the standard costs currently include a P300 terminal fee, an environmental fee of P150 for locals or P300 for foreigners, boat transfers ranging from P50 to P100, and land transport between P150 and P700. Beyond these, the LGU continues to collect various niche charges, such as P100 for snorkeling, P5,000 per hour for beachfront dinners, and up to P50,000 for media production crews.

Despite the pricing controversy, Boracay’s popularity remains sky-high. Data from the Malay Tourism Office shows that arrivals reached 2.16 million in 2025, representing a four percent year-on-year increase. The island also continues to hold its crown as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top global destinations. However, as the DILG continues to push for the removal of "indiscriminate taxes" that deter investors, the standoff in Malay suggests a growing divide between local revenue goals and national tourism recovery efforts.

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