By U.S. News Agency / Asian

Mayor Neil Credo of Dauin, Negros Oriental has disclosed that the municipal government is targeting an increase in revenues this year, mostly to be generated from income derived from the town’s thriving tourism industry.

Dauin is the host municipality of the internationally famed dive destination, Apo Island, and has the most number of beach resorts in the province totaling 14, Credo added.

According to Credo, the town of Dauin had earned more than P12 million in 2010 and the LGU is targeting to increase its earnings by at least P1 million this year.

Of last year’s total revenues, the marine reserves in Dauin contributed about P5 million to P6 million in income from user’s fees and similar collections, he noted.

The town government is also undertaking development plans for the Baslay Hot Springs in the village of Baslay in Dauin to be another tourist destination.

An ordinance, patterned after the Lake Balanan Development Authority, is now with the Provincial Board for approval for the creation of the Baslay Hot Springs Development Authority, said Credo.

Meanwhile, Mayor Credo has lauded the Philippine National Police for identifying the police station in Dauin as the pilot area in Central Visayas for a refresher course for its police personnel.

The seven-day training, which ends on Friday, includes among other training modules, crisis incident management, such as responding to hostage-taking situations, terrorist attacks and bomb threats, arrest, search and seizure procedures, and even communication skills lectures.

The activity is spearheaded by the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, to provide a refresher course for police personnel to improve their efficiency in crime-fighting.

Mayor Credo has promised full support to the Dauin police, noting the importance of security in his town to attract more tourists and boost the tourism industry.