The Iloilo Provincial Government recognized its 48 top taxpayers for 2025 on Thursday, June 25, paying tribute to individuals and businesses whose tax contributions continue to drive public services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare programs across the province.
During the recognition ceremony, Provincial Treasurer Jean Maire Umadhay underscored the vital role of taxpayers in sustaining the province’s fiscal strength and long-term development.
“This gathering is more than closing ledgers and processing figures. It is a celebration of a powerful and indispensable partnership that keeps the Province of Iloilo moving forward,” she said.
Umadhay noted that unlike highly urbanized and independent cities with concentrated commercial tax bases, Iloilo province largely depends on real property taxes to strengthen its financial independence and sustain essential government services.
“Every peso of locally generated revenue is hard-earned and requires deliberate, strategic collection efforts,” she said.
Umadhay credited the continued tax compliance of property owners and businesses for helping Iloilo maintain its standing as one of the country’s top-performing local government units in locally sourced revenues.
She added that the province has consistently earned recognition from the Bureau of Local Government Finance as among the Philippines’ most economically resilient and business-friendly provinces.
According to Umadhay, revenues generated from local taxes have enabled the provincial government to upgrade its 13 district and provincial hospitals, making quality healthcare more accessible to communities.
Tax collections also fund the Iskolar sa Iloilo scholarship program, which provides higher education opportunities for deserving but financially disadvantaged students.
Umadhay said locally generated revenues likewise support the province’s energy crisis assistance program for vulnerable families and finance the construction of vital roads, bridges, and school facilities.
“When you pay your taxes, you are not just funding a government—you are actively investing in the welfare and future of our fellow Ilonggos,” she told the awardees.
Among the top individual real property taxpayers were spouses Dennis and Dolores Devicente, who paid more than P4 million in taxes, followed by Joseph Yu with over P2.2 million and Ricky Ang with P2.1 million.
In the corporate category, Palm Concepcion Power Corporation emerged as the province’s highest real property taxpayer after remitting more than P48.6 million. It was followed by 8990 Housing Development Corporation with P15.9 million and Property Company of Friends, Inc. with P13 million.
The provincial government also recognized the top three taxpayers for the annual fixed tax on delivery trucks and vans, as well as the top five taxpayers in the amusement tax category.
The annual recognition forms part of the provincial government’s efforts to acknowledge taxpayers’ contributions to local governance while encouraging greater tax compliance and civic responsibility.IMT
