Gov. George Arnaiz said he welcomes moves of local businessmen to construct additional hotels in Dumaguete City, while the provincial government is complementing this with plans to construct at least 60 hotel rooms near the convention center.

Arnaiz said a local caterer hopes to construct a hotel in Dumaguete and Bethel Guest House is also expanding with 16 rooms, among others.

The governor made it clear, though, that the provincial government is not competing with local businessmen. It is merely complementing and solving half of the problem, aside from raising revenues for the provincial government, he said.

He said he hopes to finish the project before his term ends, while the completion of the convention center will definitely be in September, Arnaiz pointed out.

In another related development, the provincial government will open Tuesday the Child-Minding Center for provincial and national government employees who cannot afford a "yaya" or nanny for their children while working in their offices.

The child-minding center is patterned after that of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority in Manila where kids aged 3 years and below are kept in the center while their parents are working as government employees.

Arnaiz said he is optimistic the project will enhance the efficiency of employees because their children are being taken care of at the minding center.

Renovation of the building will cost P600,000, and P200,000 has been allocated for the equipment inside.

The center opening coincides with the 51st birthday of Arnaiz, said the center is dedicated to the children, and is in line with the thrust of the province of expanding the child-friendly movement.*JG

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