BAUKO, Mountain Province – Reelected Mayor Abraham B. Akilit vowed for the continuous robust growth of the municipality under his stewardship through the enhanced implementation of his priority program GAMENG YA KATAGUAN.
Among the specific programs he will give priority are on the health support programs, agricultural support programs, tourism development, livelihood generation, special projects for revenue generations, Manpower Skills Development and Job fairs, and Environment and Watershed Protection.
Attacked during the campaign trail for tax increased, he never waived to continue working for alleviating the 63. 50% poverty incidence of the upland municipality.
He however clarified that valuation and increased of Real property tax is an imposition of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 150 and not a personal actuation of the local chief executive since the power to impose taxes is bestowed to the provincial board by the Local government code of the Philippines.
Business Licenses and permits are computed according to the provisions of the Municipal Revenue Code of the municipality. People must be guided on the information and guidelines provided in these two pertinent documents to know and be aware of their tax obligations considering that taxes are the lifeblood of governments whether city, provincial, municipal or barangay.
Akilit explained that the taxes being paid by the responsible taxpayers to the concerned local governments are being brought back to the people themselves through the implementation of priority development projects and the enhancement of the delivery of basic services to the grassroots level which is one of his priority concerns after having been re-elected into office.
Special projects such as water bottling through the tubig talino technology will go full operation upon completion of necessary documents for it implementation to add income for the municipality. Renewable energy development will be explored for possible source of additional income. The Trading Center will be enhanced to market livelihood products and other revenue raising activities. Tied up to this initiative is the man power, skills Development and conduct of job fairs to help provide employment among unemployed citizens of Bauko.
Mayor Akilit reaffirms his commitment to develop the Tourism Industry of the municipality especially those natural and cultural attractions abound in the municipality. The agricultural context especially the organic, upland vegetable farms and rice terraces add spices to tourism enthusiast. With Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, Bauko will no doubt become a sought after medical destination.
Birthing clinics will continue to be one of Akilit’s priority including nutrition and development of children. Guard against dengue and the continued implementation of the Eco Composting Receptacle to maintain sanitary environment will remain his health agenda.
Environment and watershed protection will also remain his priorities despite the recent lapses of illegal logging. He vows to work more closely to concerned agencies and partners for forest protection.
By Arsenia Addon