LINGAYEN, Pangasinan March 17 – A high-ranking official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently lauded the provincial government of Pangasinan for its aggressive revenue collection which is converted to tangible proofs of development.
BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay, during the regional tax campaign kick-off held recently at the Sison Audtorium, here, pointed out that taxes paid by Pangasinenses are made visible through the projects and investments which are implemented by the provincial leadership.
“I can see that the taxes you pay here are well-spent. Nagagastos para sa kapakanan ng ating probinsya at ng ating bayan,” Dulay said.
Reiterating the agency’s contribution in the operations of the national government, Dulay said that about 80 percent of the country’s total revenue collection is collected by BIR which he said is allocated as salary for government workers, fund for infrastructure projects and social services programs.
Expressing optimism that tax collection will be reinforced in the succeeding years, following the aggressive revenue collection thrust of the Duterte administration, the BIR commissioner appealed support from taxpayers and local government units to help the BIR advance its revenue collection strategies.
Meanwhile, Governor Amado I. Espino, III assured the provincial government’s aggressive efforts for revenue collection, as he noted that taxes paid by Pangasinenses are maximized to fund various programs which are aligned to the development thrusts of the provincial government.
Alluding the BIR as a ‘partner for community development’, Governor Espino noted that the good partnership between the provincial government and the BIR made evident marks of progress and development in various localities in the province, including the barangays.
“The tax campaign is a reaffirmation of your commitment for community development,” Governor Espino said.
Mandated by President Duterte to reinforce its revenue collection, the BIR implemented by ‘Ease of Doing Business’ strategy and the Anti-Corruption Measures which seek to reduce business registration requirements and processes, including one-time transaction and securing of tax clearance.
Other BIR executives present during the regional tax campaign kick-off were OIC Regional Director Teresita Dizon and OIC Asst. Commissioner for Client Support Service Marilou del Rosario.
By Dexter A. See