One of my favorite destination is Brgy. Wawa in Rodriguez, Rizal. It is the home to Mt. Pamitinan (read the guide here), Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi (read the guide here). I have mentioned already in my previous posts that one thing I love about Brgy. Wawa is their cheap fees which is just around Php 2.00. But now, the baranggay is handing out flyers of notice about the price increase in their fares.
The Updated Fees
If you will notice, there will no longer be any DENR fees but instead an entrance fee of Php 20.00 and Trekking fee of Php 50.00 will be implemented. Caving fee is now Php 20.00 from the previous Php 5.00
Guides have now a fixed rate of Php 500 per 5 pax and the cottage for Wawa Dam is at Php 200 per day for a pax of 10.
Good or Bad
Personally, I find this sad since that means we have to adjust our budget. But on the other hand, Brgy. Wawa is a place I trust and you can really see their effort in maintaining the area. A bridge is now being constructed connecting Wawa dam to Pamitinan Cave (before, you have to cross the river). Also, a new DENR office will be placed near the baranggay hall. I just wish they would change the guide fee to a pax of 8-10 person. Also I wish they have maintained the original cottage fee of Php 150.00. Nevertheless, this is a good effort of the local government unit and local organizations in maintaining and preserving Brgy. Wawa.
When I saw this photo on Facebook, I found out that there are some who pays aroung Php 50-100 to guide. I’d say that’s just horrible. Imagine, they’ve been with you for an entire day and their job is tiring and yet you pay them less than a day’s minimum wage. That’s insane! Also, these guides used to do kaingin so providing a fixed guide rate really helps them a lot. Think about it.
FAQs
Entrance Fee or Trekking Fee?
If you will climb, you just have to pay the one-time trekking fee of Php 50.00. The entrance fee of Php 20.00 is only applicable if you’ll just visit Wawa Dam.
What about twin hike or quad/penta hikes?
The minimum guide fee is Php 500.00. For additional mountains, there are no additional fee although I have to request you to at least give them a fare fee. 🙂
The fees will be implemented starting February 8, 2016.
For more questions, feel free to comment it down and I’ll get back to you soon.
Photo by Vincent Paul Dalanao
Cheers~!
– Justin –
