La trinidad: The municipal government of La Trinidad in Benguet is advancing plans for an PHP80-million local economic enterprise with the objective of bolstering revenue and improving public services. Mayor Roderick Awingan highlighted the project details during a media interview, noting that it includes the construction of a dedicated building for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide local entrepreneurs with a venue to showcase their products.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative will also focus on upgrading public facilities such as comfort rooms, the trading post, and the public market, alongside operationalizing the Strawberry Hotel and Restaurant. Mayor Awingan explained that these enterprises are expected to contribute to the municipality's income, with all generated funds being redirected to public services.

The PHP80-million project, which was not included in the 2026 fiscal budget, will be financed through a supplemental budget early in the new year. The municipality's 2026 budget amounts to PHP927 million, predominantly allocated for personnel salaries, with provisions including a 20-percent development fund and a 5-percent disaster fund.

Mayor Awingan emphasized the town's reliance on the national tax allocation (NTA) for most revenue but expressed a commitment to enhancing local revenue to meet municipal needs. The town also generates income from business taxes and service fees from select local government offices. The municipal revenue code is currently under review to align with present conditions, with potential adjustments to service fees, though business taxes will remain unchanged to support MSMEs' recovery from recent adversities.

Vice Mayor Guiller Galwan noted that the government is examining several revenue sources while assessing their impact on residents, including the possibility of raising rental fees for municipal infrastructures that have not seen adjustments in several years.