La Union Launches First-Ever Tax Consciousness Month; Celebration Highlights Public Awareness and Community Progress
By: Alyssa A. Samarro, GPC-PTO; William Garcia IV, GPC-OPAss; Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: Christian Rebultan, PIO and GPC-PTO | Date: January 16, 2025
La Union launched its first-ever Tax Consciousness Month, established under Ordinance No. 465-2024, to educate citizens on the importance of taxation in driving community progress.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, led by Ms. Janet D. Molina, and the Office of the Provincial Assessor, headed by Engr. Arnulfo A. Cacho, the celebration in November highlighted the critical role of taxes in funding public services and infrastructure.
The initiative featured a series of Information, Education, and Communication campaigns in Bacnotan, Balaoan, and Bangar. These campaigns provided residents with essential knowledge on how taxes contribute to public welfare and the development of La Union.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Tax Caravan, which brought tax-related services directly to communities. Residents were able to access real property assessment services, clarify tax policies, and resolve concerns with the help of representatives from the Provincial Treasury and Assessor’s Offices. The event emphasized the BIDA-KA initiative, encouraging taxpayers to contribute to community development actively.
The month-long celebration also included the awarding of top-performing Local Government Units (LGUs) for excellence in tax collection and accountability. Municipalities like Bacnotan, San Juan, and Bangar were recognized for their innovative approaches to tax compliance. Individual municipal assessors were also honored for their accuracy and timeliness in tax assessments.
To promote collaboration and camaraderie, the La Union Association of Local Treasurers and Assessors organized a Sports Fest in San Juan. Local treasurers, assessors, and staff competed in basketball, volleyball, and chess, with Team District I winning in basketball and volleyball, while the PGLU team secured the chess championship.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David has expressed strong support for the Tax Consciousness Month, emphasizing that a well-informed citizenry on tax matters strengthens La Union’s progress. She highlighted that taxes play a crucial role in funding essential services, public infrastructure, and community programs that benefit every kaPROBINSYAnihan. She also reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth through initiatives like this, ensuring that tax contributions are maximized for the welfare of the entire province.
The successful launch of La Union's first-ever Tax Consciousness Month sets a significant milestone in promoting fiscal responsibility and community participation. With continued efforts to educate and engage citizens, the Provincial Government, under the leadership of Gov. Rafy, remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability La Union PROBINSYAnihan where everyone plays a vital role in the province's sustainable development and collective progress.
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