Rent relief, waivers help Pangasinan firms in energy emergency

INQUIRER FILES LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — To help local vendors cope with rising operating costs brought about by the global energy crisis triggered by the war on Iran, the Alaminos City government has approved a three-month relief program that defers rental payments, offers rental discounts, and waives regulatory fees. Alaminos City Ordinance No. 2026-11, also known as the 2026 Vendor Incentives Ordinance of Alaminos City, states that the “continuing effects of the energy crisis have significantly affected the operations and livelihood of many local entrepreneurs, vendors, concessionaires, and small business owners.” “Despite these challenges, they remain among the important contributors to local economic activity and public service,” the ordinance says. Article continues after this advertisement READ: DOE: Energy emergency may be lifted in third quarter READ: Marcos declares state of national energy emergency The incentives benefit vendors operating in city-managed public markets, tourism areas, and other facilities managed by the city government. Under the ordinance, stall rental payments will be suspended for three months. The deferred rentals will be collected through installment payments over six months after the suspension period lapses. Stallholders with no outstanding rental arrears will receive a 50 percent discount, while those with existing arrears will be entitled to a 20 percent discount. Article continues after this advertisement The suspension of rental payments will take effect in the month following the ordinance’s effectivity. For ambulant peddlers, however, the suspension period will run from September to November. The ordinance was passed by the City Council on May 19 and submitted to the Pangasinan Provincial Board for review and approval on Monday, July 20. Article continues after this advertisement Authored by Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Miguel Perez and sponsored by Councilor Dahlia de Leon, the ordinance was approved by Mayor Arth Brian Celeste. /mcm Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.