![](https://pia.gov.ph/uploads/2023/04/48294088a3cf01ff5271ec437f137e04.jpg)
AYUNGON, Negros Oriental, April 30 (PIA) -- The municipal government here has carried out some major steps to increase economic activity in the town and provide comfortable living for its constituents.
Ayungon Mayor Dennis Amancio told members of the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO) during the group’s recent conference that part of the municipal government’s programs to spur economic growth in the town in the post- pandemic period is the establishment of a marketplace, updating of their Local Government Unit (LGU) tax code, and development of its tourism site and other tourism products.
Amancio said their goal is to entice more businessmen to invest in their municipality.
To achieve this, the LGU is giving tax incentives to firms and companies who would put up a business in the town under its updated tax code.
Part of the tax incentive is a five-year tax holiday for business firms.
Another measure they are looking into is the creation of a municipal marketplace where the LGU can showcase its top products and become the center of trade in the town.
Another income-generating program that the LGU is looking at is allowing businesses to advertise their products on the LED screen installed at the municipal plaza.
Amacio said the LED screen was primarily intended as a tool for transparency since it will be used to showcase the accomplishments, projects, programs, and other undertakings of the LGU.
However, some businessmen have approached him and proposed if they can also advertise their products in the LED screen and the municipal government thought it was a viable idea that would generate additional income for the town.
![](https://pia.gov.ph/uploads/2023/04/6c58e9381fa7a2fbfd82ceffb1be46a3.jpg)
On tourism development, Amancio said the LGU is eyeing to develop three tourist destinations in the town, namely the Mt. Cuisaw, Banban Eco-Park, and the Ayungon Mechanized Nursery.
“Unahon nato og develop ang Mt. Cuisaw. Usa ni ka lugar maayo kayong himoon camp site. Ang plano mabutang mi didto og lighthouse and then structure na mabutang nato og CR ug pwede nato mabutangan og small restaurant para tambayan sa mga nag-camping (We will prioritize to develop Mt. Cuisaw. It has an area suited for a camp site. We also plan to construct a light house and other structures like CR or perhaps spaces which could be used as small restaurants for the campers),” Amancio said.
To achieve this, the LGU will allocate a higher budget for tourism development.
He also disclosed that there are already initial talks with the local government of Bindoy for the creation of a package tour for tourists which would highlight Bindoy’s Mantalip Reef and Mt. Cuisaw of Ayungon.
The LGU also plans to establish an agro-forestry near the mechanized nursery so that tourists could also bring home seasonal fruits that are cultivated in the town.
Amancio hopes that through these interventions, the municipality could move forward towards progress and provide economic opportunities for its people. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)