ILOILO CITY: The city government of Iloilo City has exceeded its revenue collection target for 2023, achieving a 113 percent collection efficiency, and earning the distinction of being the top-performing highly urbanized city in the Western Visayas region. The achievement was recognized at the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Regional Awards held in Boracay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo City collected PHP2.43 billion in locally sourced revenues, surpassing the target set by the BLGF of PHP2.144 billion. The assessor and treasurer’s offices of the city played a pivotal role in this achievement, with revenues generated from real property taxes (RPT), business taxes, fees and charges, and economic enterprises.

City Assessor Cesar Z. Jalbuena Jr. attributed the success to an intensive assessment and collection strategy, stating, “We exceeded because we embarked on intensive assessment and collection. Some delinquents updated their payment, and we also have an amnesty.” Key collections i
ncluded PHP1.178 billion in RPT, PHP981.13 million in business taxes, PHP190.20 million in fees, and PHP86.09 million in economic enterprise income, all surpassing their respective targets.

Mayor Jerry Treñas highlighted the role of assessing new properties and developments in achieving the surplus. He noted that for the first time, the city government has funds for the Collective Negotiations Agreement (CNA), allowing city hall employees to receive a maximum incentive of PHP30,000, with additional allowances pending presidential approval.

The city’s revenue collection success was presented at a flag-raising ceremony on December 9, further solidifying its status as a leading urbanized city in the region.