Capitol revenues dip by 40 percent

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said Tuesday that revenues from facilities owned by the provincial government decreased by as much as 40 percent in 2020 to 2021.

Diaz said the income drop is attributed to the non-operation of the Mambukal Resort and the Negros Residences which were converted into facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Negros First Cyber Centre earned about P65 million over the past seven months.

Diaz said the figure is lower than their projections.

The Ayala Capitol Central and 8888 Chinatown Square Mall, meanwhile, asked for a discount on the leases, Diaz said.

We granted their request in the “spirit of bayanihan” and to support investors and businesses, he added.

Diaz said that 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 lower revenues, Diaz said the provincial government is optimistic that the situation will improve 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 come to operation soon following the awarding for those who applied for a space.

Diaz said the food terminal will be another income generator for the provincial government.

He also revealed that they will step up tax collection efficiency under a new treasurer with the assistance from local government units.