Tagaytay City, Cavite – The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Component 3 Team of the Local Governance Reform Project (LGRP) conducted a Training on Real Property Tax (RPT) Compliance and Tax Impact Study from 12 to 15 April 2023. The twenty-nine (29) key officials and personnel from the BLGF Regional Offices’ local assessment and treasury units nationwide attended the training at the View Park Hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite.   

In her message, BLGF OIC Executive Director Ma. Pamela P. Quizon highlighted the crucial role of the training in enhancing the real property taxation and compliance of the twenty (20) pilot local government units (LGUs). Director Quizon also emphasized the importance of the said training in determining the baseline for property tax reforms in the LGUs and its impact on the proposed Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform (RPVAR) bill.  

The Lower House of Representatives approved the President’s priority legislative measure on 12 December 2022. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means technical working group conducted the last leg of deliberation on 13 April 2023. 

Under RPVAR, the property valuation shall be harmonized, consistent, efficient, and equitable by developing a single real property valuation base for taxation and baselining of values of other government agencies. 

Director Quizon also discussed the proper conduct of tax impact study, which will facilitate informed choices on policy decisions related to taxation. The Local Fiscal Policy Service (LFPS) OIC Director Brenda L. Miranda underscored the significance of RPT compliance to help minimize potential tax risks and liabilities in updating the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs).  

In addition, Local Assessment Operations Division (LAOD) Acting Chief, Atty. Neil A. Lamban shared insights on the data requirements for the RPT compliance and assessment roll and data cleansing.  

Workshops focused on reviewing local legislations, practices, and programs that impact property tax compliance, analyzing the overall performance in RPT collection of LGUs to facilitate in setting revenue targets, and provide guidance for legislation purposes were conducted. 

Former BLGF Regional Office IX Regional Director and currently the LGRP Output 3 Manager, Mr. Gilbert B. Gumabay, and LGRP Project Management Unit (PMU) Senior Project Manager, Ms. Marissa Y. Benitez, served as presentation panelists during the training.