Naga most efficient in tax collection for two years

CEBU, Philippines - Naga City has been adjudged by the Bureau of Local Government Finance as most efficient in real property tax collection for two consecutive years, i.e., in 2011 and 2012.

It collected 522 percent higher or P269.3 million of its P51.5 million target in 2011 and 483 percent higher or P252.4 million of its P52.1 million target in 2012.

“The people are satisfied with our services that is why they are paying their taxes,” Chiong told The Freeman. 

Naga City bested at least seven cities including Cebu City as far as efficiency in collecting real property taxes for 2012 is concerned. 

Among the 16 cities in Central Visayas, Cebu City ranked 11th in efficiency, tailing behind Naga City (1st), Lapu-Lapu City (2nd), Talisay City (3rd), Dumaguete City (4th), Toledo City (5th), Danao City (6th), Mandaue City (7th), Bais City (8th), Carcar City (9th), and Tagbilaran City (10th).

Naga City Chiong said the city’s achievement was the result of a “harmonious relationship” with business owners and property owners.

“The property owners were willing to pay taxes because they saw what city hall had done and how the taxes were spent,” he said, adding that the big chunk of the city’s revenues come from Apo Cement Corp., Sarimanok Feeds, and Sherilin Agro-Industrial Corp. in barangay Pangdan.

BLGF rates local government units based on collection targets not on the amount of collection. – (FREEMAN)