By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) of the Negros Occidental provincial government achieved a remarkable 24 percent increase in revenue last year.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the EEDD collected a total of P234,739,358.38 in revenue, outperforming the P189,357,519.06 collection recorded from January 1 to November 30, 2022.

Notably, the EEDD has not only reached but exceeded its income target of P257,934,002.46 for the previous year.

The efficiency ratio also witnessed a significant rise, jumping from 73.41 percent in 2022 to an impressive 91.01 percent in 2023.

The top-performing economic enterprises contributed to the robust collections last year were the Negros Cyber Centre with P111,019,386.58; Food and Terminal Market of Occidental Negros (FTMON) with P10,447,303.05; Mambukal Resort and Catering with P70,792,728.96; Negros Residences with P7,683,966.17; and rentals with P34,794,973.62.

However, the EEDD fell short of its total income target of P257,934,002.46, collecting only P234,738,358.38, as indicated in the summary of receipts and collection efficiency for 2023.

In response, Diaz, who oversees the EEDD, has initiated office reorganization, as well as appointing administrative officers and focal persons for various economic enterprises.

He expressed optimism about reaching targets this year, and acknowledged that while some establishments excel, others need improvement for overall income enhancement.

Diaz emphasized the importance of setting new targets to contribute significantly to the provincial government’s income beyond relying solely on the National Tax Allotment in future budgets.

Anticipating a productive year, Diaz highlighted the full operational status of the Mambukal Resort, Negros Residences and FTMON in 2024.

The department hired additional personnel and marketing specialists to enhance service quality, client experience and facility marketing strategies./DGB, WDJ