BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Revenues from the facilities of the provincial government of Negros Occidental went down by as much as 40 percent in years 2020 to 2021.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz attributed the income drop to the non-operation of the Mambukal Resort and the Negros Residences which were temporarily converted into facilities for cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The provincial government-managed Negros First Cyber Centre, meanwhile, earned about P65 million over the past seven months.
“It is lower than what it was projected to earn,” Diaz said.
The Ayala Capitol Central and 8888 Chinatown Square Mall, meanwhile, asked for discounts on leases. Diaz said this was granted in the “spirit of bayanihan” and to support investors and businesses.
During the period of enhanced community quarantine (ECQs) they asked for a 40 percent discount while during the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) they asked for 25 percent discount.
Despite the revenue drop, Diaz said the provincial government remains optimistic that the situation will improve substantially with the re-opening of the Mambukal Resort, as well as the resumption of unrestricted travel in the country which would attract more tourists to visit the province.
The Negros First Food Terminal will also resume its operation soon.
Diaz said the food terminal will be another income generator./PN
