Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno led the ceremonial signing of the Local Governance Reform Project (LGRP) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF) and Prototype local government units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and partner government institutions on May 11, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The signing of the MOA formalized the agreement among the BLGF, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Land Registration Authority (LRA) as data sharing partner institutions for the development of Real Property Information System (RPIS) and Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA)with GIS.
“I expect that through this partnership, the BLGF, BIR, and LRA will forge strong linkages and harmonize data for the purpose of having a reference for the development of uniform Market Values. This shall serve as the basis for valuation by various government agencies and LGUs,” Secretary Diokno said.
Furthermore, 21 prototype LGUs were shortlisted to implement the RPIS and CAMA with GIS.
Below are the prototype LGUs to implement the RPIS:
1. Tabuk City, Kalinga
2. Solsona, Ilocos Norte
3. Trece Martirez City
4. Taytay, Rizal
5. Tabaco City, Albay
6. Negros Oriental Province
7. Dauin, Negros Oriental
8. Cagayan de Oro City
9. Siquijor Province
10. San Juan, Siquijor
11. Province of Bataan
Below are the prototype LGUs to implement the CAMA with GIS:
1. Baguio City
2. Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
3. Cauayan City, Isabela
4. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
5. Abucay, Bataan
6. San Carlos City, Negros Occ
7. Panglao, Bohol
8. Bohol Province
9. Pagadian City
10. Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
The Agreement aims to fasttrack the capacity development and professionalization of assessors through partnerships with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of the Philippines – Open University, (UP-OU) and the Local Government Academy (LGA).
Specifically, the PUP will offer an expanded academic curriculum, short curated courses, and continuing professional development (CPD) programs.
UP-OU, on the other hand, will offer international twinning arrangements, faculty development, as well as training facilities, equipment and accommodation.
Programs on capacity development and sustainability of the LGRP implementation, as well as facilities will be offered by the LGA.
According to the Finance Secretary, the digital infrastructure will promote accountability, efficiency, and transparency in local governance processes, which will lead to fairer and more equitable taxation for all.
“By embracing these technological advancements, our LGUs will be equipped and empowered to better serve their constituents and promote economic growth within their respective localities,” he said.
