BIR launches tax campaign, highlights taxpayers as partners in nation-building
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Paying taxes is more than a legal obligation; it is a vital investment in national development, helping fund public services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare programs that benefit Filipinos across the country.
In line with this, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through Revenue District Office (RDO) No. 106, led by Revenue District Officer Marco Antonio Calo, officially launched this year’s tax campaign in Surigao del Sur on March 5 at the EDM Convention Center in Tandag City, covering taxpayers in the province’s first district.
The kick-off activity gathered local government officials, business leaders, national government agencies, representatives from academia, private sectors, and student leaders to strengthen tax awareness and encourage voluntary compliance among taxpayers.
In her keynote message, BIR Regional Director Esmeralda Tabule described taxpayers as vital partners in nation-building.
“Taxpayers are VIPs – the very important partners,” Tabule said. “This event is for you, our partners in revenue generation and nation-building. Without taxpayers and their compliance, our revenue system will not be complete.”
She emphasized that taxes enable the government to deliver essential services and development programs for communities across the country.
Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny T. Pimentel also expressed the provincial government’s full support for the BIR’s tax campaign and encouraged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations.
“Awhagon ko ang tanan nga mga katawhan sa tanan nga sektor nga magbayad kita sa atong sakto nga buwis,” Pimentel said, urging residents from all sectors to comply with tax laws. (I call on all sectors of our community to pay the correct taxes we owe).
Meanwhile, Jenny Lou Mata, president of the Tandag Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (TCCII), welcomed the campaign theme ‘Mahusay na Serbisyo Katumbas ng Buhis Mo (Excellent Service Worth Your Taxes).’
Mata said the business sector views taxes not merely as compliance but as an investment that fuels economic growth and public services.
“For many of us in the business sector, taxes are not just obligations. We see them as investments that support development and progress,” Mata said.
She encouraged entrepreneurs to become proactive taxpayers, filing and paying taxes early rather than waiting until the last minute.
“As VIPs, we pledge to maintain an open line with the BIR. We appreciate the transparency we have seen recently,” she added. “Keep the processes simpler for us, and we promise to do our part in fueling Surigao del Sur’s progress.”
RDO 106 Officer Marco Antonio Calo reminded taxpayers that compliance becomes burdensome only when ignored.
“Tax compliance becomes costly only when neglected. Early reconciliation and proper documentation can transform year-end compliance into a strategic safeguard rather than a burden,” Calo said.
The campaign forms part of the BIR’s nationwide effort to promote timely and accurate tax compliance, strengthen revenue collection, and support the government’s priority programs aimed at sustaining economic growth and public service delivery.
During the activity, BIR officials also presented the annual income tax return (AITR) reminders, guiding individual and corporate taxpayers on proper filing procedures, deadlines, and compliance requirements. Officials stressed that timely and accurate tax filing helps taxpayers avoid penalties while ensuring smoother processing.
Another leg of the tax campaign was held on March 9 in Bislig City, covering taxpayers from the second district of Surigao del Sur.
Through the annual campaign, the BIR continues to strengthen transparency, improve taxpayer services, and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility among Filipinos, supporting the national government’s broader fiscal sustainability and economic development agenda. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
