• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The upgrading of some local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental to a higher classification is “a reflection of the chief executives’ (CEs) commitment to upgrade the status of their LGUs,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said over the weekend.
“Also, we should take notice of the upgrades, although not first-class, of LGUs that have gone one grade higher,” he added.
Based on the guidelines set by the Department of Finance Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF), Bago, San Carlos, Cadiz have been elevated from second to first-class cities while the new first-class municipalities include E.B. Magalona, Isabela, Manapla, Pontevedra and Ilog.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. described the development as a big leap for Cadiznons.
“This is more a prestige, rather a tribute to all Cadizeños, who worked hard in making Cadiz truly a business-friendly community,” he added.
For a city to be classified as first-class, its average annual revenue must range from P1.3 billion or more, derived from local revenue sources, including real property, business taxes, and other local taxes.
For a municipality to be classified as first-class, its average annual income must range between P200 million and more for three fiscal years (2022 to 2024), preceding a general income reclassification.
The cities of Himamaylan and Sagay are now second-class cities while the cities of Escalante, Sipalay and Talisay are now third-class cities.
Meanwhile, the towns Moises of Padilla, Toboso and Valladolid are now second- class municipalities while Candoni and Don Salvador Benedicto are already third-class municipalities. | GB
