ANGELES CITY, July 3 (PIA) -- Angeles City recorded a budget surplus of more than PhP192 million for 2019, the first time since 2006.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said this is largely attributed to the implementation of a sound fiscal management and intensified collection of Business and Real Property Taxes and other taxes.

"The positive revenue collection was evident with the growing confidence of the business sector in our leadership," he said.

With this, the local chief executive vowed to keep his promise of making Angeles City a business-friendly one.

"Instead of increasing business taxes or real property taxes in my term, we will continue to enforce strict and proper collection of taxes to increase the city's budget," Lazatin said.

The mayor added that form the start, he reviewed all ordinances to lessen the burden of businessmen in the city.

Specifically, he cited the removal of the PhP20 tourism fee being imposed on hotel guests, which has gained positive reactions from the hotel operators.

"Ours is a business friendly city that continuously holds dialogues with members of the business sectors and make sure their inputs is considered in the determination of business policies," he said.

Part of the budget surplus was allocated for the improvement of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center.

The remaining funds will also be allotted for the improvement of schools; strengthening of anti-drug related programs, peace and order efforts; infrastructure development; and social projects - livelihood programs for farmers, Persons with Disabilities and solo parents, social pension for elderly and solo parents, as well as feeding programs for undernourished children and day care centers. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)