The Bacolod City government posted an 11 percent increase in tax collection in 2007 compared to 2006 and exceeded its target this year by P20 million despite the crisis, Permits and Licensing head Ardis Jaculina said yesterday.

Records from the City Treasurer's Office show that the city's total tax collection from January to December 2007 is P220,026,974.30 compared to P197,406435.30 in 2006 covering the same period.

Jaculina also said they expect to collect more or less P240 million in 2008 because the city has improved the computerization of its one-stop-shop at the BAYS Center which is now on line with the main server at City Hall, as promised by Mayor Evelio Leonardia in 2007. She said the Mayor spent P97,000 for the installation of the equipment, and by Jan. 2 they were ready for the computerization of the BAYS Center for its one-stop-shop.

Skills training for
Negrenses underscored

The Negros Occidental provincial government is putting stress this year on skills training to boost the livelihood opportunities of Negrenses, Acting Gov. Isidro Zayco said yesterday.

“We had an initial meeting with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority people who will coordinate their training activities with the local government units,” he said.

He said TESDA will provide the manpower and the LGUs will provide the facilities for the training.

Decision on PNOC-EDC proposal
to enter MKNP out this month: BM

Board Member Mae Javellana yesterday said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental is expected to make a stand within this month on the proposed entry of the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co.- Energy Development Corp. into the 169-hectare buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon National Park for geothermal development.

Javellana, chairperson of the SP committee on Environment and Natural Resources Committee, said they are scheduled to hold another committee hearing on Wednesday next week, to hear the sentiments of those opposing the entry of PNOC to the buffer zone.

back to top