Pangasinan Firms Get Rent Relief, Waivers Amid Energy Crisis

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Local vendors in Alaminos City are set to receive significant relief as the local government has approved a three-month program aimed at mitigating the impact of the global energy crisis on their businesses. The initiative, detailed in Alaminos City Ordinance No. 2026-11, offers a multi-pronged approach including deferred rental payments, rental discounts, and waivers of regulatory fees. The ordinance explicitly recognizes the "continuing effects of the energy crisis" on the "operations and livelihood of many local entrepreneurs, vendors, concessionaires, and small business owners." It highlights their crucial role as contributors to the local economy and public service, justifying the need for support. This vendor incentive program specifically benefits those operating within city-managed public markets, tourism areas, and other facilities under the city government's purview. A key provision is the suspension of stall rental payments for a period of three months. Following this suspension, the deferred rental amounts will be settled through a six-month installment payment plan. Furthermore, stallholders who are current with their rental payments will be rewarded with a 50 percent discount on their rent. For those with existing rental arrears, a 20 percent discount will be applied. The rental payment suspension is scheduled to commence in the month following the ordinance's official effectivity. A specific provision is made for ambulant peddlers, whose rental suspension period is set from September to November. The ordinance was formally passed by the City Council on May 19. It was subsequently forwarded to the Pangasinan Provincial Board for review and approval, a process that commenced on Monday, July 20. The legislative initiative was authored by Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Miguel Perez and sponsored by Councilor Dahlia de Leon, with Mayor Arth Brian Celeste giving his approval. This local government action aligns with broader national efforts to manage the energy crisis. The national government, through the Department of Energy (DOE), has previously declared a state of national energy emergency. The DOE has also projected that this emergency status might be lifted by the third quarter of the year, suggesting a potential easing of the crisis. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo