DESPITE the much-needed renovations, the Strawberry Valley Hotel has failed to reaped dividends for the municipality of La Trinidad.
Since the valley acquired the hotel, several improvements have been made to make the establishment tourist friendly but a town official said the facility is not ready for visitors.
“The facility is not yet ready accepting tourists and visitors unless we finish the improvements or rehabilitation of the hotel,” municipal engineer Benedict Pineda told Sun.Star Baguio.
La Trinidad has allotted a total of P7.5 million for its refurbishment but Pineda said the budget will not be enough to complete the project.
In a recent accomplishment report of the Engineering Office, the rehab was reported to be 70 percent complete while the succeeding developments are being rushed for the third quarter of 2016.
During the report, Pineda presented the improvements of the various amenities to the Sangguniang Bayan and said the initial improvements will be completed by the end of September.
Additional P3 to P4 million is needed, based on the estimates to complete the rehabilitation according to Pineda.
The Municipal Council meanwhile asked the Engineering Office to fast-track the project in order to make the hotel cost-effective for the LGU.
Committee on Finance, Budget, and Appropriations chair Roderick Awingan also advised the engineer to prepare necessary reports including the additional financial plan to complete the on-going project.
In 2011, the hotel was acquired by the local government through a deed of absolute sale for P26.5 million.
It was envisioned to become a hub for activity with the support of line agencies and the municipality.
The hotel is the first hotel owned by the Valley acquired during the term of former Mayor Greg Abalos, which served as venue for conferences and meetings and a transient home for guests.