Dumaguete has improved its income classification into a second-class city from the previous third after qualifying with the requirements under Republic Act 11964, particularly on obtaining an average annual regular income of P1 billion to P1.3 billion, Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo said.
RA 11964 institutionalizes the automatic income classification of provinces, cities, and municipalities.
Remollo said the improvement of Dumaguete’s income classification is attributed to the steady growth of the local economy, with the influx of more investors creating more job opportunities for residents and higher revenues for the local government that can be used for additional social services to benefit citizens.
The improvement of Dumaguete’s status is also a testament to the dedication and industry of government workers, and the trust of businessmen and citizens, who religiously pay their fair share of taxes, knowing that these revenues will translate into better, efficient, and responsive services to the public, the city said.
As an immediate effect of the change in income class status, Remollo announced salary increases for the LGU’s regular employees effective August and an across-the-board increase of P60 per day for all qualified casual personnel and job order workers starting this month.
The change in Dumaguete’s income classification will also have an impact in the identification of administrative and statutory aids, financial grants, and other forms of assistance to local governments; determination of the financial capability of LGUs to undertake developmental programs and priority projects; compensation adjustment for personnel of the LGUs; and minimum wage of domestic workers, among others, as enumerated in Section 14 of RA 11964.
Based on the economic indicators and business activities, boosted by the implementation of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and other public facilities, Remollo said he is optimistic that Dumaguete will achieve a first-class city status in the next round of income reclassification, as mandated by law, or every three fiscal years. ||
