ATOK, Benguet – The municipal government underscored that the continuous expansion of tourist destinations in the municipality has resulted to the sustained growth of businesses that boosts the local economy.
Mayor Franklin Smith said that in 2023, there were some 620 registered businesses in the municipality that increased to 720 last year and rose to 722 and still counting for this year.
Further, he added that in the case of accommodation establishments, such as transient residences and home stays, there were only 11 registered establishments in 2023 which increased to 23 last year and now 33 as per latest data from the municipal tourism office that monitors the operation of tourism-related establishments.
At present, Atok has some 12 identified tourist destinations located in the different barangays boosting the number of attractions residents and visitors can visit.
The 12 tourist destinations in the municipality include Northern Blossom, a famous flower farm right in the heart of the municipality, Sakura Park, Lourdes Grotto and Wagangan Rock Formations, Mount Olis, Mount Timbak, the second highest point on the Philippine Highway system, among others, that are now being frequented by an increasing number foreign and domestic visitors.
Mayor Smith pointed out that the municipal government is working out the provision of funds to complete the construction of the 5-storey modern market building that houses a one-stop shop to market the products of micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the municipality.
Initially, the municipal government earmarked around PhP28 million from their funds to start the construction of the market building while the provincial government, through Gov. Melchor Diclas, provided an initial amount of PhP10 million and Rep. Eric Yap earmarked another PhP10 million as part of his counterpart for the project.
According to Smith, the first two floors of the structure will be for parking, the third and fourth floors will be the market area, while the fifth floor will be a multipurpose center for gatherings.
He claimed that the municipal government still needs additional funds from concerned government agencies and other offices to complete the construction of the market building since the estimated budget for the structure is around PhP130 million.
Earlier, local tourism industry stakeholders organized the newly created Atok Tourism Association that seeks to strengthen the implementation of various tourism-related programs, projects and activities to boost the tourist arrivals in the municipality.
Smith expressed hope that the people of Atok will give him a fresh mandate to serve for another three years so that he can work out the completion of all the big ticket projects of the municipal government to improve the various industries that will eventually translate to the growth of the local economy and provide additional employment opportunities and sources of livelihood for the residents.
Smith is aspiring for his second term as the town’s local chief executive after having been elected to the position during the May 2022 elections. By Dexter A. See
