AC Vice Mayor reports city’s efforts for business, tourism amid pandemic

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Admin

ANGELES CITY – Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting presented a comprehensive report on the efforts of the Lazatin administration to assist the business sector, as well as to boost the tourism industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, during her privilege speech before members of the Sangguniang Panglunsod on July 21.

Even before the pandemic hit, the city government under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has already been taking steps to improve the ease of doing business in the city.

One of the projects currently being developed is the creation of an online payment system where Angeleños here and abroad can pay their business and real property taxes online.

The city government is also developing an “online market,” where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can have a viable platform to sell their products and earn money, at the comfort of their homes.

The Vice Mayor also shared the efforts being taken to strengthen the city’s One Town, One Product Shop (OTOP) with the help of Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel and the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (ACEDIPO).

In order to encourage more MSMEs to sell their products at the OTOP shop, the usual administration fee of P500 has been waived by Mayor Lazatin.

The city government also plans on holding a number of webinars to further improve the skills of MSMEs, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting also shared that Mayor Lazatin constantly met with the members of the business sector thru the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCII) and the members of the Hotels and Restaurants Association in Pampanga (HARP) to work with them on how best to help local establishments to get back on their feet, during this pandemic.

As the city prepares for “new normal,” Mayor Lazatin wants to bring life back to the city, by boosting tourism.

Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting said with the help of Lazatin’s Chief Adviser and Tactician Director IC Calaguas, the city government will develop an online application where tourists will be offered discounts in local hotels and restaurants if they register.

“We have already suspended the collection of the P20 tourism fee for hotel customers. We are also developing an online app for the Tourism Office, where tourists are offered discounts in local hotels and restaurants, if they register in this app,” Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting said.