• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The upgrading of the classification of some local government units in Negros Occidental, based on the guidelines set by the Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF BLGF) is “a reflection of the chief executive’s commitment to upgrade the status of their LGUs,” according to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
“Also we should take notice of the upgrades, although not 1st class, of LGU’s that have gone one grade higher,” Lacson disclosed on Saturday.
Bago, San Carlos, Cadiz have been elevated from second to first class cities, while the new first class municipalities are E.B. Magalona, Isabela, Manapla, Pontevedra, and Ilog.
Mayor Salvador Escalante, Jr. described the achievement 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, Escalante said.
For a city to be classified as 1st 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 also range between P200 million or more (derived from local revenue sources that includes real property, business taxes, and other fees) for three fiscal years (2022 to 2024), preceding a general income reclassification.
The cities of Himamaylan and Sagay are now 2nd class cities while the cities of Escalante, Sipalay and Talisay are now 3rd class cities. Meanwhile, the towns Moises Padilla, Toboso and Valladolid are now 2nd class municipalities while Candoni and Don Salvador Benedicto are 3rd class municipalities.
Mayor Marvin Malacon said the reclassification of E. B. Magalona from second-class to first-class municipality is a recognition of the town’s sound fiscal policy and financial management through the years, resulting in effective revenue generation and sustainable growth initiatives.*
