Sign of improving economies
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Leyte recognized the treasurers across the province for their efforts on increasing their tax collections.
The awarding, held at the Leyte SMED-Center, this city, was graced by Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Director Maribel Sacendoncillo.
Leading the 40 municipalities in local tax collection was the town of Kananga with P82.23 million collection.
Joining Kananga as top collectors on locally sourced revenues were the municipalities of Palompon, P58.55 million; Isabel, P33.34 million; Palo, 33.01 million; and Abuyog, P30.10 million.
Meanwhile for local government units with highest efficiency collection in all locally source revenues, Albuera got the highest rating at 80.97 percent increase or a collection of P24.94 million from its previous collection of P13.78 million.
Albuera municipal treasurer Elvira Perez said that their close monitoring on revenue collection was the main reason why they were able to surpass their last year’s collection.
Perez added that they also religiously sent notices to their delinquent tax payers and have an efficient collection on sand and gravel operations.
Other towns with highest efficiency on local tax collection were the following: Tabango with 37.02 percent increase or P6.63 million for this year compare to last year’s P4.84 million; Palo with 37.60 percent increase or collection of P33 million from P23.99 million in 2017; Inopacan with 38.26 percent increase or P11.6 million from P8.39 million; Calubian with 39.61 percent increase or a collection of P6.40 million from the 2017 collection of P4.58 million.
Gov. Petilla said that the recognition given to the treasurers in the province is a manifestation that the conditions of their areas are improving due to robust business activities.
“The increase of collection in the municipalities shows how our economy is moving because there are businesses going. This is also a proof that our economy is getting stronger,” Petilla said.
“As our economy grows, more investment are coming, the value of our properties changes. You need to step up so that we can generate more local income,” he added.
Sacendoncillo, meantime, reminded the treasurers to always do the right thing and should not allow the mayors to make decision on their behalf.
“Make the right decision because at the end of the day, you are accountable for the decision you made. You work for more than half of your life in the government but because of a wrong decision, you are dismissed from service. Everything you have work for are taken away from you for a simple and single mistake,” she said.
“I know it is difficult to deal with politicians but be guided by the principles that you are accountable for you own actions and decisions so do what is right and you will continue to be safe,” Sacendoncillo added.
The DILG official added that municipal treasurers should start expanding the horizon of their responsibilities by looking at their work not just as a job but as part of a mission.
“As part of the government, we are given opportunities to do great things not for us but for the future,” Sacendoncillo ended.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
