The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office in this province collected over PHP3.7 billion in revenues in 2024, marking a 14.9-percent increase from the previous year’s PHP3.3 billion.

In a statement Wednesday, Aileen Punzalan, head of Revenue District Office (RDO) 111, announced the achievement during the launch of the BIR’s 2025 Tax Campaign kickoff at the EMR Convention Center.

“Our tax collection last year of PHP3.7 billion is significantly higher than the PHP3.3 billion collected in 2023, reflecting a PHP484.6 million increase,” Punzalan said.

For 2025, the agency has set a target of PHP4.3 billion, a 14-percent increase from the 2024 collection.

Key accomplishments of RDO 111 in 2024 included resolving 39,197 stop-filer cases, issuing digital Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) IDs, and fully utilizing the eAppointment system as part of its Digital Transformation Program.

Punzalan outlined strategic plans for 2025, focusing on expanding e-filing services, enhancing system reliability, and improving tax modernization for better efficiency and transparency, particularly in rural areas.

“We achieved significant milestones in 2024, and we are determined to accomplish our goals for 2025 through strategic initiatives and the cooperation of our taxpayers,” she said.

RDO 111 will also work toward achieving BIR’s Ambisyon 2028, which envisions a highly digitalized agency.

BIR-Revenue Region 18 Director Christine Juliet Chua said 2025 programs will leverage digital transformation to improve taxpayer experience and ensure efficient tax collection.

“We are committed to building a more prosperous future for Filipinos,” Chua said.

She encouraged taxpayers to stay updated on tax laws and regulations through the BIR website and participate in tax awareness seminars. (PNA)