DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Dumaguete City exhibited economic growth in 2024 after obtaining an annual income of over P1 billion that made it into a 2nd class city.
Mayor Felipe Antonio B. Remollo said the improvement of Dumaguete’s income classification is attributed to the steady growth of the local economy with the influx of more investors creating high revenues that can be used for more social services and benefits for the citizens.
In his year-end press conference, the mayor shared the programs and projects undertaken by local government that benefit and improve the lives of the people in the city with more public facilities.
“We have constructed concrete bridges, river control and shoreline protection. These are funded by the local government without national assistance,” said Remollo.
Some five bridges are seen to help reduce traffic in the downtown area, and ensure safety of motorists and residents along the Banica River especially during inclement weather and floods.
Remollo also approved P63.2 million for the construction of school buildings and other facilities for the eight identified public schools to address their immediate needs and improve classroom instruction and the completion of the Technical Vocational school in Barangay Batinguel.
In September 2024, the city celebrated the unveiling of the eight-foot statue of Dr. Jose Rizal made of bronze and mounted on a granite pedestal at the Pantawan People’s Park in Rizal Boulevard.
The City Satellite Hospital and New City Health Office are now operational including the City’s Mega Evacuation Center that is capable of sheltering 1,000 evacuees with complete amenities located in Barangay Talay.
Meanwhile, the City’s Government Center in Bajumpandan can house the offices of national agencies some of the lots are occupied or allotted to DOH’s Super Family Clinic, DILG Negros Oriental, DOLE Negros Oriental, among other agencies.
The city also provides financial assistance to almost 10,000 residents; burial and mortuary benefits to hundreds of senior citizens and residents, hospitalization/medical assistance and maintenance to thousands of residents; provided scholarships to hundreds of college students at P12,000 each per school year and cash aid to victims of disaster, overseas Filipino workers in distress, among others.
“Dumaguete deployed about 177 farm trainees to our sister city Yeongdong South Korea so they can apply their theoretical learning through actual immersion in the fruit farms and earn at the same time,” said Remold.
He has also approved the implementation of eBusiness Permit and Licensing System (eBPLS) to streamline government transactions, reduce red tape, eliminate malfeasance, improve the ease of doing business and attract more investments.
The mayor reported that Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) 7 also recognized Dumaguete for exceeding its LGU Revenue Performance Targets for FY 2023 with the following efficiency ratings: fees and charges, 115 percent; business tax, 105.35 percent; and receipts from economic enterprise, 110.87 percent.
For all its initiatives and accomplishments that benefited the people, the current administration of Dumaguete City has been recognized by different national government agencies and reputable organizations.
The Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR) also recognized the Dumaguete MRF as the first in the Philippines to generate income for the LGU at P500,000 per month, while providing livelihood for the waste pickers through proper and sustainable solid waste management.
The Dumaguete City Health Office also received two awards during the 2024 Local Health Systems Awards of the Department of Health Region 7, namely Nominee for the 2024 Outstanding LGU in Local Health System and Certified Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) LGU in Central Visayas.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also cited Dumaguete City as Most Improved Component City in the Philippines and 2nd Most Efficient Government in the country among all component cities, having excelled in creating a business-friendly environment by cutting red tape and corrupt-free transactions.
In October 2024, the city was awarded as the Top LGU for Government Efficiency and Infrastructure in Negros Oriental based on the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index by the Department of Trade and Industry. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
Header image: Dumaguete City Hall (photo credit: Lupad)
