NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (Neda-10) gathered representatives from regional line agencies, local government units, and the private sector in a discussion to assess the second quarter regional economic situationer (QRES).
During a roundtable discussion held via Zoom on August 29, various performance indicators were reviewed and validated.
These indicators covered areas such as agriculture (including crops, livestock, and fisheries) and non-agricultural sectors like investments, tourism, employment, tax and customs collections, peace and security, transportation, telecommunications, electrification, and irrigation.
The objective of this roundtable discussion, according to Archimedes Lazaro, Chief Economic Development Specialist at Neda-10, is to evaluate the overall performance of the regional economy.
Lazaro said the final report serves as a crucial input for monitoring the implementation of programs, projects, and activities outlined in the Regional Development Plan.
“The discussions help identify sectors that are thriving and those in need of interventions,” Lazaro added.
Positive growth in tax and customs collections
Despite some indicators not performing well in the second quarter, tax and customs collections exhibited positive growth.
According to the initial report from Neda-10, the region generated a total of P4.38 billion in tax revenues during this period, marking a 21.72% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
The positive performance in tax collections can be attributed to the intensified implementation of the Taxpayer Account Management Program and increased sales and service transactions, including government transactions.
Value-added taxes (VAT) accounted for 30.27% of the total tax receipts, experiencing the largest increase of 57.25%.
This was primarily due to the relisting and transfer of registered taxpayers from the BIR Large Taxpayers Division Office in Davao City to the BIR Revenue Region 16.
Notably, VAT and other payments from the DPWH-10 were transferred and recorded under the BIR Revenue Region 16.
Regarding collections by the Revenue District Offices, Cagayan de Oro accounted for the largest share at 46.2% or P2.02 billion, followed by Bukidnon at 19.9% or P869.42 million, Iligan City at 16.6% or P725.92 million, Ozamiz City at P471.01 million, and Gingoog City at P290.65 million.
In terms of customs revenues, Northern Mindanao collected P9.69 billion in the second quarter of 2023, showing an increase of P572 million or 6.27% compared to the same period in 2022.
Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) Subport and Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Port accounted for nearly 95% of the total collections, offsetting declines in the subports of Iligan and Ozamiz.
MCT Subport collected P5.38 billion, while CDO Port collected P3.81 billion.
The decline in collections at Iligan Subport was due to the non-importation of rice, while the reduction in importation service at Ozamiz Subport was a result of Seaoil Philippines' transfer to the Port of Zamboanga.
Maintaining internal security
The initial report from the Philippine Army revealed that there were no recorded violent incidents initiated by communist groups in the second quarter of 2023.
This can be attributed to intensified military operations focused on combating the communist rebels.
In addition, 23 individuals benefitted from socioeconomic assistance provided under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and Amnesty Program.
The Mobile Community Sustainability Support Program, aimed at preventing recovery efforts of communist terrorist groups, was also sustained during the quarter.
These efforts support sustainment initiatives in cleared areas.
The final QRES, containing comprehensive information on the regional economic performance in the second quarter, will be made available to the public on the Neda-10 website for reference.
