ILOILO CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) kick-starts its regional tax campaign on Feb. 21, reminding the taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations.
Hosted by the BIR Revenue Region No. 11-Iloilo City at the Iloilo Convention Center, the event with the theme “Buwis na Tapat, Tagumpay Nating Lahat,” aims to emphasize the shared responsibility of the taxpayers through diligent tax payments, hardwork, and willingness to contribute to national progress and the BIR’s dedication to honest and courteous service to every Filipino.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., who graced the kick-off activity, recognized the significant milestones of the institution, highlighting the result of its service improvements where it has collected more than P2.85 trillion revenue, higher than its tax collection in 2023.
Lumagui said this is not only the highest revenue collection recorded in the Bureau’s history but the first time it has ever reached the target set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
“This is only the result of the tireless efforts of the BIR employees, their commitment, dedication, and countless hours spent serving the public and most importantly, the growing partnership with our institution and the taxpayers. With all these achievements, we would like to congratulate our nation builders – all of us, for our contribution to our country’s economic growth,” he said.
He further added that the Tax Awareness Month is observed every February, hence, the BIR is dedicated to promoting tax compliance among individuals and businesses, increasing public understanding of tax obligation, and improving revenue collection to support economic growth.
“Taxes are not just numbers on a balance sheet- they are investments in our shared future. Taxation is not just about fulfilling civic duty, it is also about fairness and integrity. Buwis na Tapat speaks of the need for transparency and accountability in our tax system. It also means that everyone, regardless of their status or background, could contribute their fair share to the nation’s development,” Lumagui said.
For the part of BIR Revenue Region No. 11, Iloilo City Regional Director Emilia C. Combes emphasized that the development of the country speaks of its cooperative and compliant citizens.
“This campaign underscores the crucial role of taxpayers when it comes to economic recovery and development. For more than 120 years, the BIR has shown improvement in its services due to the implementation of e-services which adapt to the digital transformation of technology. These are goals to make BIR not only a revenue-oriented agency but a service-oriented, one with the nation to uplift the lives of every Filipino,” said Combes.
BIR Deputy Commissioners, taxpayers, government agencies, practitioners, partners, and other organizations coming from the five Revenue District Offices (RDOs) in Western Visayas were also present at the event.
Top taxpayers from RDOs 71-75 of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were also recognized based on several categories including the Top Individual Taxpayers, Top Non-Individual Taxpayers, and Top Withholding Agents.
The tax campaign kick-off is a major event in the annual calendar of the BIR that officially commences its tax campaign activities for the entire year. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)
