Buenavista, Agusan Norte posts 9.43% business tax growth
By Nora L. Molde
Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Mayor Joselito T. Roble underscores the importance of responsible taxation and fiscal sustainability as the municipality records a 9.43% rise in business tax collections in 2025, enabling expanded barangay infrastructure and frontline services. (Photo courtesy of the Municipality of Buenavista)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Business tax and other tax collections in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, surged by 9.43 percent in 2025, driving a 6.15 percent increase in the municipality’s total annual income and contributing to broader national priorities on fiscal decentralization and local development, Mayor Joselito T. Roble reported.
Records from the Municipal Treasurer’s Office show that business tax and other taxes rose from P33 million in 2024 to P36.163 million in 2025. The increase significantly increased the total annual by P67.8 million in 2025 compared to the previous year. Real property tax collections also posted a 1 percent increase, from P12.699 million in 2024 to P12.795 million in 2025.
Income from economic enterprises, including the public market, slaughterhouse, and terminal, grew from P11.5 million in 2024 to P12.1 million in 2025, reflecting a 5.01 percent growth.
Roble said the improved revenue performance demonstrates strengthened local collection efforts, increased taxpayer compliance, and alignment with national initiatives to empower local government units under the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
“I am grateful to say that we have shown that taxation is not punishment, it is participation in development. Gradually, the people understood that what we collect is not excessive but only what is legally due. And what you pay is directed to projects and services that you can truly see,” Mayor Roble said.
Mayor Roble added that enhanced local revenues allow the municipality to sustain priority programs while supporting national objectives on inclusive growth, equitable public service delivery, and grassroots empowerment.
Among the key programs funded by improved revenue collection are continued investments in barangay infrastructure, particularly covered courts and barangay halls, aimed at strengthening community-level service delivery.
“If you have noticed, a significant portion of our infrastructure funds was poured into barangay-covered courts and barangay halls. This was not accidental. This was a well-thought-out decision. We believe that strong barangays build a strong municipality. The barangay is the backbone of our LGU. This is where service, unity, and people’s participation begin. By empowering every barangay, we bring the government closer to the people. If the barangay is strong, Buenavista is strong,” Roble said.
The municipal government also continues to implement the community-based “Kumustahan sa Barangay” program, bringing essential services directly to residents, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
In 2024 alone, 20 Kumustahan activities were conducted. Since 2023, more than 55,000 residents across all 25 barangays have benefited from services such as free medical consultations and medicines, scholarship assistance, veterinary and agricultural services, civil registry services, cedula processing, and other forms of social support.
Punong Barangay Rodel Roses of Poblacion 10 highlighted the program’s importance for residents.
“Dako kaayo og tabang ang Kumustahan sa Barangay kay dili na kinahanglan moadto pa ang among mga residente sa poblacion. Ang serbisyo maoy muduol sa ilaha. Mas dali nilang ma-access ang medical, scholarship, ug uban pang assistance (The Kumustahan sa Barangay is a big help because our residents no longer need to travel to the town proper. The services come directly to them. They can easily access medical, scholarship, and other assistance),” Punong Barangay Roses said.
Roses added that the program should continue because it greatly benefits the people of Buenavista.
The “Kumustahan ug Tin-aw na Panan-aw Program” has also assisted around 500 beneficiaries with eye care services and free prescription eyeglasses.
“Ang inyong buwis mao ang nagpalihok sa serbisyo ug naghatag og kausaban sa kinabuhi sa katawhan (Your taxes are what drive public services and bring positive change to the lives of the people),” Roble said.
Roble emphasized that Buenavista’s improved revenue performance is part of the national strategy to strengthen local government units’ fiscal autonomy, enabling municipalities to fund programs that directly improve the lives of constituents and support national development agendas. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
