Netizens Air Concerns Over P30 Entrance Fee at Ipil Christmas Carnival; Organizers Respond

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — Several netizens have expressed their dissatisfaction over the newly implemented P30 entrance fee at the Ipil Christmas Carnival, an attraction that has drawn large crowds since its opening earlier this holiday season.

Many netizens said they were surprised by the sudden fee, noting that entrance had been free during the previous days. Some voiced concern that the fee may be a burden for families wishing to enjoy the festivities. However, other netizens offered opposing views, arguing that the fee is reasonable and necessary to sustain the carnival and cover operational costs, plus the cost of transporting the entire carnival to Ipil which was paid by the supplier.

In response, Atong Ipil Atong Garbo, the Facebook page of LGU-Ipil coordinating the Christmas activities for the municipality, responded to a comment of one of the netizens. The response was a statement addressing the public’s concerns and clarifying the nature of the carnival’s operations.

“Maayong gabii sa tanan. Nakasabot mi sa inyong sentimento. Amo lang unta calmly ipasabot na ang carnival is privately-operated and not by the LGU. As any private business, isa na pamaagi nila para macover ilang operational expenses kay nibyahe pa jud ni sila ug layo just to offer kani nga carnival para nato,” the group explained.

They further clarified why the carnival was free during its initial days of operation:

“Didto sa concern na free atong mga nilabay nga adlaw, ang carnival operations nagdecide ug free entrance kay wala pa nahuman ilang fence. Kani usab usa ka safety measure para malikayan ang stampede, kay above anything else, priority jud gihapon ang safety,” the statement read.

Atong Ipil Atong Garbo also emphasized that despite the carnival’s entrance fee, the municipal grounds remain fully open to the public without charge.

“Miskan pa man naa entrance fee ang carnival, ang munispyo open tanan. Hinaot nga kani na mga punto klaro ug masabtan sa tanan. Daghang salamat,” the group added.

The carnival continues nightly, attracting crowds despite the fee, while discussions among netizens show a mix of support and criticism regarding the entrance charge. Local officials have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.