Cauayan mayor pushes port reopening amid PHP 90M tax issue

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—Mayor John Rey Tabujara of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, is advocating for the reopening of Bulata Port, despite unpaid taxes amounting to PHP 90 million.

Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC), the former operator of Bulata Port, owes the Cauayan municipal government PHP 90 million in taxes, Tabujara told reporters in a press conference on Saturday.

The mayor shared that the provincial government of Negros Occidental recently won its case against MMC two months ago, clearing the way for the collection of overdue taxes.

“From there, we can start collecting taxes from MMC,” Tabujara stated.

Speaking during Cauayan’s 1st Bamboo Festival over the weekend, Tabujara emphasized that the uncollected taxes, which accumulated over several previous administrations, are long overdue. MMC ceased operations in 2001.

The mayor also reiterated that the Cauayan municipal government has been seeking assistance from the provincial governor to revive Bulata Port, which he said is key to stimulating the town’s economy.

“In order to boost our economy, we need industrialization,” Tabujara remarked.

“We have asked for the governor’s help to reopen Bulata Port. It will greatly impact our local economy,” he added.

Tabujara revealed that Tsuneishi, a Japanese firm, has expressed interest in developing an export port at Bulata, rather than a shipbuilding facility.

Representatives from the company have visited him several times to discuss the project.

However, the mayor pointed out several issues that must be addressed, especially concerning the port’s environmental impact due to its proximity to Danjugan Island, a marine sanctuary.

“I need the support of the province,” he said.

If the export port project moves forward, Tabujara believes it will boost the town’s economy and generate additional jobs for Cauayanons.

The mayor also noted that the 45-hectare Bulata Port area now has multiple claimants, with several beach resorts already established in the vicinity.

Cauayan, now a first-class municipality, receives a National Tax Allocation of PHP 540 million, according to Tabujara.