A big blow to business in San Carlos City

By Eva C. Visperas

ONE month after the mayor here was gunned down, business in San Carlos City suffered a big setback as income tremendously dropped by as much as 50 percent, according to Acting Mayor Julier Resuello.

Resuello, son of the slain mayor who was elected mayor in the May polls, said that fear still grips people and businessmen here, resulting in big losses to the business sector, especially the fast food establishments.

The 28-year old mayor said that people usually enjoyed roaming around the city even up to 10 p.m. and fast food chains enjoyed brisk sales. But after the elder Resuello was gunned down inside the city auditorium last April 28, city folks now prefer to stay home before sunset for fear of their lives.

“Napakasama ng epekto in terms of business (The effect was too bad),” Resuello said. Up to now, he said people are afraid of fireworks as they mistake it as bursts of gunfire.

He said he is doing his best to remedy the situation and restore normality to the lives of his constituents but could only be fully attained in the next three to four months depending on the determination of the city’s new set of officials. Resuello’s brother, Joseres, was also elected vice mayor while all the 10 elected city councilors belong to their group.

He said he wants to continue the dream of his father to make this city as “The Emerging Economic Tiger of the North” because of its strong potentials in bamboo furniture and the mango industry.

With 86 barangays and a population of about 150,000, the newly elected mayor said the city has sprawling areas conducive for business operation and economic investments. He has started exploratory talks with some Metro-Manila based businessmen for possible business ventures here.

Before his father assumed office nine years ago, he said the city’s income was only P15 million a year. When the late Resuello was mayor, income rose to as much as P35 million to P40 million a year and continued to rise every year thereafter, he said.

He said under his administration, he will offer a tax holiday to investors for a certain period to attract them into the city.

Without a doubt, Mayor Ayoy is carrying a heavy load on his shoulders following his father’s death. Between family, business, political, social concerns, name it, Mayor Ayoy is not likely to enjoy a normal life now.

But he said he is adjusting well to his new world.

I had looked at him then as another young man bitten early by the political bug. But he sounded determined. He means business. He faces the challenges of his job like a veteran politician.

Does he still grieve and mourn to this day?

Yes, I do, he admitted. The pain will always be there but he said he must be strong not only for his family but for the people of San Carlos City.

“If only Papa could see me now, I’m sure he would be very happy with how I surpassed the big challenges I faced following his death,” Mayor Ayoy said, with a boyish smile.

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/business-log/)

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