Batac: The Batac City government has announced a waiver on stall rental fees for vendors and stall owners impacted by a fire incident on July 5. This measure will last until the end of the year, offering relief to those whose businesses were disrupted.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vice Mayor Albert Chua stated during an interview on Friday that the waiver aims to allow affected vendors to focus their resources on restocking, repairing stalls, and restarting their business operations. This comes in addition to previous assistance provided in both cash and kind by various government agencies and private entities.

Chua emphasized that this initiative is part of the city government's efforts to support the recovery of the stall owners. Additionally, the deadline for business permit fees, including garbage fees, has been extended until December without any surcharges or penalties. The provincial council has already approved the proposed ordinance on second reading.

Stall owner Demy Taasin expressed gratitude towards the city government, highlighting the importance of such measures in facilitating their recovery process.

During a recent visit to Ilocos Norte on August 7, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. allocated PHP150 million to the city government for the construction of a new public market. This funding, sourced from the Local Government Support Fund, will be utilized to build a new market in the city's New Economic Zone, near the newly-constructed Bagsakan ti Norte trading center. President Marcos, who considers Batac his hometown, continues to support the city's development initiatives.