BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE — With the theme “Strengthening the Partnerships for Improved Real Property Tax Performance and Amplified Awareness on Local Autonomy,” the provincial government conducted a one-day barangay consultation held at the Multi-purpose Hall Building on September 15, 2017.
This was participated in by the barangay officials and their respective treasurers of the ten municipalities of the province.
The provincial officials headed by Provincial Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. deemed it necessary to involve the barangay officials for the success of the implementation of the provincial government’s plans, projects and activities (PPAs).
According to the governor, it is right and proper to involve the barangay officials in the implementation of the PPAs of the provincial government considering that the priority program of his administration is mostly geared toward the development of the barangays.
He informed that the giving of provincial aid to barangays, incentives to Barangay Health Workers, and Barangay Day Care Workers have been institutionalized to assure its sustainability.
One of the programs that needs the support and assistance of the barangay officials is the Real Property Tax Administration (RPTA).
Provincial Treasurer Cawed A. Gamonnac and Assistant Provincial Assessor Randy B. Tikchap encouraged the barangays officials to assist the local assessors and treasurers in the real property assessment and tax collection activities.
According to Gamonnac, barangay officials are in a strategic position to identify the property owner, property location and the adjoining property boundaries in their area of jurisdiction.
Part of the program also included the disbursement of Provincial Aid to Barangays and the Barangay Share on Sand and Gravel Tax.
The barangay consultation is being conducted by the provincial government at least twice a year to remind them on their civic obligation as far as taxation is concerned.
Meanwhile, an information and education campaign (IEC) on regional autonomy was also included in the consultation to inform the barangay officials on the coming series of consultation at the grass root levels.
Provincial administrator and autonomy advocate, Atty. Amador P. Batay-an, urged the barangay officials to help in the information and dissemination campaign on regional autonomy in their respective barangays.
Batay-an, a former NCIP regional director, have underscored the advantages of having regional autonomy set-up. According to him, being an autonomous region in the Cordillera will establish its permanent identity, responsive policies and spur economic development.
He stressed that an additional annual subsidy from the national government of ten billion pesos (P10, 000,000,000) per year for the first five years; and five billion pesos (P5, 000,000,000) per year for the next five years. The subsidy is above of the regular allotments and other benefits that are right now being enjoyed by the regional and local government.** Alfred Macalling
