Capping off the 2021 accomplishment of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), top-performing local government units (LGUs) in local revenue generation were recognized in the 2021 BLGF Stakeholders’ Recognition Program held last 14 December 2021 at the Royce Hotel and Casino, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

BLGF Executive Director Niño Raymond B. Alvina commended the efforts of local governments in continuously thriving in local public financial management and showcasing best practices in local treasury and assessment services despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We can count on our partnership with the LGUs to help revive our economic activity. Rest assured that the BLGF is committed to providing support and assistance to local governments in matters concerning local fiscal administration,” Executive Director Alvina said.

In a keynote message, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez highlighted the critical role of LGUs in economic recovery which is now gaining momentum. “Improved revenue generation and resource mobilization strategies are necessary for local governments to attain the fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of our national development goals,” Secretary Dominguez said.

Secretary Dominguez also strongly urged the local governments to adopt electronic facilities for business registration and renewal and for assessment and collection of local taxes, fees, and charges. “Continue building up capabilities and improve absorptive capacities to keep pace with the digital transition,” he added.

The LGUs recognized for best practices in local finance management are: (i) General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Bacoor City for the digitization of revenue and assessment operations; (ii) Iloilo City, the Municipality of Pulilan, Bulacan, and the Province of Isabela for the efficient allocation of funds and resources; and (iii) Antipolo City, Malaybalay City, and Pagadian City for showcasing recovery initiatives to help rebuild the economy.

The top 3 performing LGUs from the National Capital Region (NCR) which showcased invaluable efforts in continuously improving local revenue generation are: (i) Quezon City, Makati City, and Manila City for the highest nominal locally sourced revenues (LSR); (ii) San Juan City, Navotas City, and Caloocan City for collection efficiency of LSR; and (iii) Quezon City, Parañaque City, and Malabon City for the Year-on-Year growth in LSR.

The top 3 performing national LGUs with the highest nominal LSR are: (i) Provinces – Bulacan, Bataan, and Rizal; (ii) Cities – Quezon City, Makati City, and Manila City; and (iii) Municipalities – Limay, Bataan, Cainta, Rizal, and Carmona, Cavite. The top 3 LGUs with highest collection efficiency of LSR are: (i) Provinces – Southern Leyte, Davao Oriental, and Pampanga; (ii) Cities – Legazpi City, Albay, San Pedro City, Laguna, and San Juan City; and (iii) Municipalities – Alilem, Ilocos Sur, Kauwagan, Lanao Del Norte, and Oas, Albay. Lastly, the top 3 LGUs showcased highest Year-on-Year growth in LSR are: (i) Provinces – Southern Leyte, Agusan Del Norte, and Quezon; (ii) Cities – Toledo City, Cebu, Trece Martires City, Cavite, and Quezon City; and (iii) Municipalities – Alilem, Ilocos Sur, Oas, Albay, and Dingle, Iloilo.

The recognition program was attended by local chief executives, namely, Agusan Del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin DI. Olivarez, Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte, San Pedro City Mayor Lourdes S. Cataquiz, San Juan City Mayor Francis M. Zamora, Toledo City Mayor Marjorie P. Perales, Trece Martires City Mayor Gemma B. Lubigan and Vice Mayor Romeo Bobby Montehermoso, Limay, Bataan Municipal Mayor Nelson C. David, Alilem, Ilocos Sur Municipal Mayor Velmor P. Sumabat, and Oas, Albay Municipal Mayor Domingo R. Escoto, Jr.

The program concluded with a closing message from Deputy Executive Director Atty. Flosie Fanlo-Tayag, emphasizing the BLGF’s commitment to support and incentivize best practices of LGUs in transitioning to the new normal.