La Union intensifies tax drive to boost revenue collection

BAGUIO CITY (November 13, 2024) -- The provincial government of La Union has intensified its efforts to perform its mandate on tax generation and collection, believing improved fiscal performance will spur local economic growth.

Through its treasury and assessor’s offices, the provincial government kicked off this year’s “Buis Nga Intay Binayadan, Dur-As ti Amin a Kaprobinsyanihan” or BIDA KA Tax Campaign, earlier this month through a caravan where the provincial government and its partners went around the two congressional districts and visited public places to inform La Union residents on their duties particularly on real property taxes (RPT).

“The program title translates to ‘the tax we pay is progress for the province,’ and that is what we wish to underscore: we strengthen our collection so we can also strengthen our services especially for the needy,” Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David explained.

In collaboration with the LGU treasurers and assessors, the tax caravan sought to foster deeper appreciation of the community on taxation. The activities included hanging and distribution of information materials in key places such as town halls and public transportation. The activity also included an information education campaign for business establishments and constituents, to inform them about the benefits of timely payment of taxes.

As an advocate of efficient revenue generation, Gov. Ortega-David enjoined the participation of the Kaprobinsyanihan to the campaign. “After all, taxes are the lifeblood of our province’s economy,” she underscored.

Provincial Treasurer Janet D. Molina said the local government is keen to improve its performance in efficient and transparent tax collection to streamline the delivery of programs and services intended for social services to cater to disadvantaged constituents. She also stressed that discounts are available for those paying their amilyar in advance or within payment periods.

“We are reminding our province-mates to be responsible about their tax obligations and to avail discounts, this is a big decrease on their usual payment,” Molina emphasized.

PGLU offers 20% discount to real property owners who wish to pay their real property tax in advance for next year from November to December 31, 2024 while 10% discount will be given to those who will pay within the schedule from January 1 to March 31, 2025.

To further strengthen the tax campaign, PTO and OPAss also continue to conduct Barangay Tax Campaign and Financial Literacy and Tax Awareness Campaign for students to inform residents about the tax programs of provincial government and discounts that they can avail to encourage them to pay their taxes on time.