Payment for Ecosystem Services in Bago City

The Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Resiliency Program or B+WISER developed a payment for ecosystem services (PES) model for the local government of Bago City in Negros Occidental. 
 
The PES implementation by the city government started in 2017 and has been a success since, as they were able to sustain the collection, which reached around PhP 2.0 Million in 2023, and PhP 1.9 Million from January to February 2024. 
 
Under the City Revised Revenue Code No. 17-10, the Bago City government collects an environmental protection fee through a business permit  from water users such as business establishments and industries. The purpose of this environmental protection fee is to fund protection efforts that address forest threats such as illegal tree cutting and charcoal making. To disburse the funds, the City ENRO implemented livelihood activities where the beneficiaries are the people’s organization which are the partners in the forest protection efforts of the LGU Bago. 
 
Through the PES, the local government was able to support the communities that protect the forest through financial assistance of PhP 20,000 per year/hectare for kakawate planting for charcoal making purposes. The LGU then buys the charcoal made by the farmers for PhP 380 per sack. As of 2024, a total of 300 farmers have already availed the said financial assistance.