BAGUIO CITY – The City Treasurer's Office reported a tax collection of P1.205 billion from January to April 30 this year, a 12.27 percent increase compared to the same period last year with P1.074 billion.

PEOPLE cross a pedestrian lane in Baguio City on May 27. The City Treasurer's Office reported an increase in tax collection in the first four months of this year. (Baguio PIO)

This is equivalent to 44.19 percent of the P2.7-billion target for the entire year.

Fernando Ragma Jr., Assistant City Treasurer on Tax Collection, said on May 29 that despite the economic challenges, this city continues to show growth in tax collection.

Ragma said that in just four months, this city surpassed its target amount for the entire year. He described this as an enthusiastic performance in tax collection.

He said the city government earned P110 million in real property tax, P300 million in business tax and other charges, P390 million in other taxes, P177 million in fees and charges, P410 million from the national tax allotment from the national government, Philippine Economic Zone Authority share, P62 million, Manning Bank, P13 million, miscellaneous income, P25 million, and proceeds from sales of assets, P15 million.

The city government also bared earnings from entrance fees from main tourist attractions – Botanical Garden, P29 million, Diplomat Hotel, P1.6 million; Mines View and Transview, P5.4 million, Athletic Bowl, P1 million, and swimming pool, P370,000.

Total revenue from entrance fees reached P37.4 million, and P1.043 million from parking fees at the Botanical Garden and Diplomat Hotel.

Ragma attributed the higher income to the 20 percent discount on real property tax which enabled more people to pay taxes.

He also attributed this to businessmen paying more promptly avoid fines for late tax payments and payment of real property and business taxes online.