By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Laoag CITY—The Sangguniang Panlungsod here started approving the reclassification of lots in the city from residential to commercial on its third and final reading.
During a regular session, the city council approved the reclassification of land use zoning of parcels of land along the western side of the Laoag-Suba Road of Barangay 40 Balatong this city starting the southern end of the Mangato Bridge leading to Barangay 38-A Mangato East from residential to commercial.
Likewise, the council also approved same measure along the southern portion of P. Paterno Street from the intersection of Tomas Pasion St. in the south west to Katipunan St. in the north east.
Laoag Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Atty. Franklin Dante A. Respicio said the reclassification aims to invite investors to come to the city and explore possible investment.
Records show, according to Mr. Respicio, that the reclassified lots are target areas for commercial opportunities in the city. He added that these areas will soon become commercial areas as the “heart of the city” is slowly becoming congested.
Relative to this, Mr. Respicio said that this is also one way to encourage investors to come and that the city is ready when they do come. He added that the city government should also have local laws that are consistent with the comprehensive land use plan, including the city’s zoning laws.
After the reclassification, Mr. Respicio said lot owners will pay higher real property taxes as the city will now charge their lots will now with the commercial rate.
However, the assessment value of said lots will also rise.
Prior to its final approval, Mr. Respicio noted that owners of the affected lots approved the reclassification based on the public hearing conducted.
Also discussed during the public hearing is the issue that the 30 percent of the real property tax collections will go back to their barangay as additional funds for projects.
In addition, the council also approved another city ordinance for second reading with same content located along western side of the Laoag-Suba Road of Barangay 40 Balatong beginning at the southern end of the Mangato Bridge to the Barangay Road leading to Barangay 38-A Mangato East.