NORTH Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza announced that the province has been debt-free on top of exceeding tax collections and target revenues for 2023.
During her State of the Province Address (SOPA), Mendoza said the province is debt-free due to the improved projects and services, particularly on infrastructure, strengthening of programs, and provincial treasury reserves.
“Various programs and projects worth P666 million have been implemented because of our effective coordination with the government agencies. The amount has been logged as a trust fund,” she said.
According to the provincial government, the non-tax revenue collection increased from P303.2 million to P559.3 million, and the actual amount of tax money collected from local sources was P80 million, which is 114.5 percent more than the target of P69.8 million.
She also noted the provincial government earmarked P718 million or 20% of the national tax allotment to finance infrastructure projects, school buildings, water supplies, barangay road concreting, and other economic activities.
The governor also stated that Cotabato province placed first with 15 out of 18 municipalities passing the assessment on the 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping Passers, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Mendoza commended individuals behind the initiatives and activities carried out by their “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy, characterized by honesty, openness, responsible leadership, and engaged citizenry, for the province’s success.
The State of the Province Address ceremony was held at the provincial capitol gymnasium, Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City on April 2.
