Bangued, Abra – Should visitors pay to enter one of Abra's most popular tourist destinations, or should it remain free for everyone?
That question has sparked mixed reactions among residents following a public hearing conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on July 7 at the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST)-Bangued Campus regarding a proposal to impose an entrance fee at Casamata Hill National Park.
Long open to the public free of charge, Casamata Hill National Park is one of Abra's most recognizable landmarks and a favorite destination for sightseeing, recreation, and panoramic views overlooking the municipality of Bangued.
According to the official Facebook page of the Provincial Government of Abra, the DENR presented its proposed visitor management guidelines, including the collection of entrance fees. Concerned agencies, stakeholders, and residents were given the opportunity to raise questions and submit recommendations before the proposal is finalized.
The discussion continued online after local Facebook page abrenian.com asked residents and visitors for their views on the proposal, drawing contrasting opinions.
Several commenters supported the collection of entrance fees, saying the additional revenue could help finance the park's maintenance, cleanliness, security, and environmental protection. They argued that, if properly managed, the fees could improve facilities while helping preserve the park for future generations.
Others, however, opposed the proposal, saying Casamata Hill has long served as a public space that should remain accessible to everyone without charge. They questioned the need to collect entrance fees when the park still has limited facilities and amenities.
"The park should remain open and free for the general public as most parks do around the world. They can regulate and impose fee on using the facilities of the park like toilets, playground and others but not on the point of entry... just my opinion," one commenter wrote.
Another netizen said charging an entrance fee would only be reasonable if the park's facilities are first improved.
"Pwede namn mag entrance fee yung casamata basta may tables and comfort rooms para namn may silbi yung bayad ang random namn kasi kung mag babayad ka for viewing limited pa yung parking space," the commenter wrote.
Some residents also called for transparency on how the collected fees would be spent, while others suggested exempting local residents or offering discounted rates to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.
Despite their differing views on the proposed entrance fee, many commenters agreed on one point: Casamata Hill National Park should continue to be protected and properly maintained as one of Abra's most important natural, cultural, and religious landmarks.
As of this writing, the DENR has yet to announce whether the proposed entrance fee will be adopted. Comments and recommendations gathered during the public hearing are expected to be reviewed before any final policy is implemented.
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