TACLOBAN CITY – As part of the 16th anniversary celebration of Tacloban’s elevation to highly urbanized city (HUC) status, city government honored its top taxpayers in an awarding ceremony held on December 18, 2024.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez led the ceremony as he was joined by Liga ng mga Barangay president Raymund Romualdez, and acting City Treasurer Jennifer Guy, in recognizing individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the city’s economy.
Awards were given in three categories: business taxpayers, real property taxpayers, and barangay real property tax shares.
Top business taxpayers
The top business taxpayers were acknowledged for their outstanding compliance and contributions to the city’s revenue. Metro Gaisano Tacloban, Sanford Marketing Corporation, and Toyota Tacloban, Leyte, Inc. led the roster, reflecting the robust commercial activity in Tacloban.
Top real property taxpayers
Real estate developers and businesses that paid substantial real property taxes were also lauded, with Robinsons Land Corporation, Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc., and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. securing the top spots.
Top barangay real property tax shares
For the first time, barangays were recognized for generating the highest real property tax shares. Brgy. 75 Fatima, led by its chairman Sonia del Rosario, topped the list, followed by Brgy. 91 Abucay and Brgy. 52.
Mayor Romualdez extended his heartfelt gratitude to the taxpayers, emphasizing their vital role in driving Tacloban’s economic progress and enabling the city to deliver essential services to its constituents.
“This recognition is not just a celebration of your contributions; it is also a testament to the trust and partnership between the city government and its citizens,” Romualdez said. “Your support allows us to sustain programs that improve the lives of every Taclobanon.”
Romualdez also highlighted the importance of a secure environment in fostering economic growth, noting Tacloban’s stability under his leadership as chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
