The small town of Pudtol in Apayao is banking on its vast forests, clean rivers, and various agricultural products to achieve sustainable development.
In time for the 7th Pinya Festival, reelected Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua said his administration is bent on stirring economic activity in the area with a greater focus on enhancing business competitiveness and livelihood development while building on support facilities to promote agro-tourism.
Pascua said the local government unit has observed the growth of local businesses despite the pandemic as more people began sourcing their needs from the municipality.
“People were used to traveling and they get their supply outside,” said Pascua.
With government intervention programs, the municipality is eyeing to enhance business competitiveness in the area by constructing business trade centers and encouraging more public and private partners to invest in the town.
As a fourth-class municipality, the mayor admitted Pudtol will need additional funds for various infrastructure support services for the farmers including micro, small, and medium enterprises.
With an incoming president and vice president who used to be in local government service, Pascua is optimistic small and underserved towns like Pudtol will be given more opportunities to realize their potential in the face of global health crisis.
He said he is thankful Pudtol’s agro-tourism industry is starting to pick up.
“We have accredited learning sites showcasing various technologies and best practices in agriculture and these are located near our tourist destinations,” said Pascua, citing harmonious working relations between the government and the private sector. – PNA
