Fiscal management is the backbone of effective governance. It ensures that public funds are allocated efficiently, transparently, and responsibly, to meet the needs of our constituents.

In Cebu City, as in other Local Government Units, fiscal management plays a crucial role in funding essential social services such as livelihood support, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and environmental conservation.

This is why our administration, which resolved earlier on to not increase our taxes, was very conservative in our budgeting, thorough in our collection, and, despite insinuation to the contrary, very circumspect in our spending.

The recent acknowledgement of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) 7 that Cebu City is number 1 among all Local Government Units in Central Visayas in local revenue generation and number three in year-on-year growth is a validation of our sound financial stewardship.

And, on a personal note, the BLGF’s conferring unto me the Maharlika Award for Outstanding Public Servant, in recognition of our exceptional service and unwavering commitment in the field of leadership, management and local finance, is a vindication against adverse insinuations and comments.

According to the BLGF, Cebu City, in 2024, collected a total of P5,986,955,338.90 in locally-sourced revenues.

This, in turn, represented a 25.84 percent year-on-year growth for Cebu City.

For those who might not be so familiar, the BLGF is a unit under the Department of Finance.

It is tasked with assisting in the formulation and execution of policies on local taxation, real property valuation/assessments, and the conduct of the financial affairs of the local governments, and Local Government Units are bound to follow their policies.

We understand that without sound financial stewardship, even the most ambitious development plans can falter, leaving communities underserved and progress stagnant.

We also recognize that good governance and fiscal responsibility are intertwined.

And for us to be recognized for exceptional service and unwavering commitment in the field of leadership, management and local finance is to be recognized for advancing good governance and showing fiscal responsibility.

I trust that the incoming administration will continue the gains we have started for sound fiscal management. We have paved the way for them to continue and improve.

Lastly, I share this award with the employees of the Cebu City Government, especially the City Treasurer’s Office and the City Assessor’s Office for the hardwork and unwavering commitment.

Daghang salamat ug maayong buntag.

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