Baguio congressman sees amendment to BLISST

BAGUIO City Congressman Mark Go admitted there would be changes in House Bill 1554 he filed which seeks to create the Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay (BLISST) Development Authority.

Go said most of the local government units covered by the development authority have welcomed and appreciated the bill, however, it would be subject to amendments in Congress.

“When I met with the Council of Itogon and La Trinidad, they have accepted the bill except for one provision which is the five percent share of every local government unit (LGU) so our agreement is this will be given consideration,” Go said.

The congressman added the five percent share is one of the provisions of the bill where every LGU should share as to various developments but since there are suggestions of the LGUs, then these must be considered on the second reading.

“In Itogon, they have a low Internal Revenue Allotment, their income is low so if we will get the five percent baka maapektuhan sila (maybe they’d get affected) so we have an agreement na may (to have an) amendment,” Go said.

Go added La Trinidad and Tuba officials had the same reservations.

“We have the same problem so there is an agreement and we believe the share will be smaller,” Go added as he expects the bill to be approved during the 17th Congress.

Baguio City Mayor Maurico Domogan said through the BLISST development programs, it will help all the communities covered to increase tourism arrivals which will help them in terms of economic benefits.

Through the promotion of tourism development, La Trinidad information officer Valred Olsim said there is an increase of tourism arrival in their municipality.

A recent study conducted in La Trinidad shows about 10 percent of all local and foreign visitors of Baguio City are spilled over in the nearby towns.

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