Summary: Puerto Galera's municipality in Oriental Mindoro has launched the PG-Pass, an online visitor registration system that integrates a P120 environmental user fee to fund waste management, sewage treatment and conservation while improving entry procedures.

Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro has introduced the PG-Pass, a digital visitor pass designed to simplify entry procedures and support environmental protection. The PG-Pass centralises tourist registration and incorporates the Environmental User Fee (EUF) payment process so arrivals can move through ports and entry points more efficiently.

PG-Pass Aims to Modernize Visitor Management

The municipality says the PG-Pass will create a more accurate visitor database to help with sustainable tourism planning, emergency response and overall visitor management. Local officials view the system as a step toward a modern, eco-friendly tourism model that benefits both visitors and the community.

Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan highlighted the importance of having reliable visitor data for planning and management, noting that the new system will support operational decisions and safety measures across the municipality.

Environmental Fee: P120 EUF to Fund Conservation and Services

As part of the PG-Pass, all incoming tourists will pay a P120 environmental fee. This EUF will be channelled into local sustainable tourism projects, including waste management, sewage treatment and other conservation activities aimed at protecting Puerto Galera's natural assets.

  • Fee amount: P120 environmental user fee (EUF)
  • Uses: waste management, sewage treatment, environmental conservation
  • Integration: EUF payment embedded within PG-Pass registration

Officials say embedding the fee in the registration process ensures all visitors contribute to maintaining the destination, aligning Puerto Galera with global eco-tourism trends that prioritise low-impact visitation and resource stewardship.

Online Registration and Faster Entry for Tourists

The PG-Pass includes an online registration option so travellers can complete formalities before arrival. Registered visitors can then use a dedicated line at ports and entry points, which should reduce queue times and make arrival smoother, particularly for first-time visitors.

Tourists arriving at Puerto Galera port where PG-Pass registration and entry will be managed
Puerto Galera's ports will implement PG-Pass registration and a dedicated entry lane to speed up arrivals

Economic Benefits for Local Businesses

Municipal leaders expect the PG-Pass to stimulate growth in hospitality and tourism services. Increased visitor numbers and smoother entry processes should boost demand for accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and transport providers, creating jobs and supporting local enterprises.

Preparing for Cruise and Eco-Tourism Growth

With global interest in cruise and eco-tourism rising, the PG-Pass gives Puerto Galera a data-driven way to manage growing visitor flows while protecting local ecosystems. The system is intended to help the municipality plan capacity, infrastructure and conservation programs as demand grows.

A Model for Responsible Destination Management

Officials position the PG-Pass as a forward-looking solution combining technology and environmental policy. By tracking visitor patterns and securing funds for conservation, Puerto Galera aims to sustain its appeal and preserve resources for future generations.

Why this matters: For travellers, the PG-Pass means fewer delays on arrival and clearer procedures; for the industry, it provides predictable revenue for environmental measures and better data for planning. The system signals Puerto Galera's intent to balance tourism growth with environmental protection, offering a potential blueprint for other Philippine destinations.