CATBALOGAN CITY, Oct. 14 (PNA) — The city government here announces major investments coming to the city following intensive promotion of Samar’s capital as investment hub.
Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said the promotion and strengthening of city economic enterprise and investment potentials has been one of the thrust of the local government. They have been inviting possible investors to the city and help them look for areas to put up their capital.
Among the investors is the Primark Town Center that will construct their building near the city’s public market.
Philippine Primark Properties, Inc. (Primark) is a company engaged in town center development for commercial leasing and heavily involved in the establishment of town centers in emerging cities and in first to fourth class towns where there is rapid urbanization and steady growth in consumption patterns.
The company’s key tenants are SM Savemore for basic commodities, Ace Hardware for home and office needs, BDO or Chinabank for banking transactions and other food chains, store outlets and drug stores for other needs.
“Before the end of this year, Primark will also help in repairing our central public and coastal market,” Uy-Tan said.
The city mayor also highlighted the institutionalization of the city tourism, culture and arts programs by establishing a tourism center, tour package within the city center, and production of tourism promotional materials
Part of the promotion of the city to international market is participating in national and international trade fairs like the recent United Cities and Local Government – Asia Pacific held in South Korea.
The city government of also started to finalize the formalization of city development roadmaps that mostly focuses on long term and comprehensive development.
An eight hectare lot has been acquired for the construction of a tenement building for displaced families and an evacuation center.
Housing project to decongest the city center was also initiated in partnership with Pag-ibig Fund, Gawad Kalinga.
The city government also maintained the financial sustainability, according to Uy-Tan.
From January to September this year, the city treasurer’s office had already collected PHP55 million from PHP64 million collection this year.
Their internal revenue allotment also increased from PHP466 million in 2015 to PHP547 million this year.
The local government also started the strict implementation of the curfew ordinance, anti-illegal fishing, traffic ordinance, anti-littering ordinance, anti-stray animal and anti-smoking ordinance.
“We will continue to implement these ordinances until the people of Catbalogan make these as part of their daily life. Let us step forward for an improved, livable and sustainable city for all,” Uy-Tan added. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR