The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG in the Philippines) signed a contract for the Loan No. 3944 PHI: Local Governance Reform Project (LGRP) funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) last 07 December 2021 at the EDPC Building, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Executive Director Niño Raymond B. Alvina and Deputy Executive Director Atty. Flosie Fanlo-Tayag, signed and represented for the BLGF, while R.G. Manabat & Co. was represented by Partner and Head of Management Consulting Services Ms Imelda H. Corros and Stakeholders Engagement and Communications Expert Ms Yolanda A. Fernandez.

With the forged partnership, Executive Director Alvina mentioned in his opening message that he will expect improvements in valuation and property tax administration in the country.

“We believe that under this administration and through this investment that the Philippine government has made, the short-term benefit may not be felt right away but we know this will spell a huge of difference in the next 5 to 10 years if we are successful together towards the attainment of the outcome/output/objectives of this project. So, looking forward to a very successful partnership with R.G. Manabat and hoping that we will ensure a very high standard of project implementation and high-quality outputs from this endeavor,” Executive Director Alvina added.

The ADB has provided support to the Government of the Philippines (GOP), through the LGRP, to help improve local government revenue mobilization in order to upscale local public service delivery and strengthen local governance. In line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for CYs 2017-2022, the project is aimed to enhance efficient, effective, and equitable public service delivery at the LGU level. Hence, the outcomes on service delivery ability and local governance performance of LGUs improved. This project will likewise strengthen the policy and administrative environment for enhancing local own-source revenues from real property taxes (RPTs) by instituting reforms in real property valuation and assessment.

The Project has four (4) outputs: (i) institutional development and policy support for property valuation strengthened, (ii) property tax valuation database and information systems implemented, (iii) real property taxation of selected LGUs enhanced, and (iv) local assessors professionalized and capacity of LGUs strengthened. The BLGF serves as the executing agency (EA) and one of the implementing agencies (IAs) of the Project. Other IAs include the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The contract commenced on 13 December 2021 and will end on 31 December 2024. The RG Manabat & Co. composed of thirteen (13) experts,which will serve as the Project Management Unit of the LGRP directly responsible for the day-to-day project administration, coordination, supervision, implementation, and monitoring of the Project activities and outputs. They are also responsible for the timely delivery and completion of project component outputs and deliverables; supervision and guidance of technical consultants and contracted service providers and their outputs and deliverables; lead in the preparation, formulation, and submission of annual work and financial plans and project implementation strategies; and monitoring and reporting of progress of project activities and accomplishment of targets.