KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato expanded its revenue base by more than ₱301 million in the first quarter of 2026 as the Office of the Provincial Assessor (OPASS) sustained the gains of its Massive Tax Mapping Program by identifying 646 additional taxable real property units across the province.
The accomplishment reflects the continued implementation of the province’s property assessment and tax mapping initiatives aimed at strengthening local revenue generation and improving real property records.
According to Provincial Assessor Engr. Richie A. Ballesta, the office remains committed to strengthening the province’s revenue generation through accurate and equitable property assessment.
Ballesta said the accomplishment was built on the success of the Massive Tax Mapping Program conducted in 2025, which uncovered 2,033 newly taxable real property units with more than ₱1.01 billion in assessed value. The initiative also contributed over ₱20 million to the province’s collectible real property tax base last year.
“The continued expansion of our property database reflects our commitment to ensuring that all taxable properties are properly identified and assessed.” Ballesta said,
The sustained increase in taxable properties reflects the effectiveness of intensified field inspections, validation activities, and tax mapping operations undertaken by OPASS across the province.
OPASS recorded and assessed 64 exempt properties during the quarter, helping ensure that property classifications remain accurate, updated, and compliant with existing laws and regulations.
“Through accurate tax mapping and field validation, we are strengthening the province’s revenue base while upholding fairness and equity in taxation. The revenues generated from these efforts help fund essential government programs and services that directly benefit our communities,” Ballesta said.
The accomplishments support the Provincial Government’s broader agenda of promoting sustainable development through sound fiscal management.
Revenues generated from real property assessments provide vital funding for infrastructure development, education, health services, agricultural programs, disaster preparedness initiatives, and other priority services that improve the lives of South Cotabateños.
The latest accomplishments also demonstrate continued progress from the gains achieved in 2025. While last year’s tax mapping campaign significantly expanded the province’s taxable property inventory, the first quarter results of 2026 indicate that OPASS continues to identify new revenue opportunities through improved property monitoring and validation efforts.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., has consistently advocated responsible fiscal stewardship and the strengthening of local revenue sources to ensure that development programs remain sustainable and responsive to the needs of communities.
Through continued investments in assessment operations and institutional reforms, South Cotabato is further enhancing its capacity to generate local revenues while maintaining transparency, accountability, and fairness in taxation.
As development activities continue to expand across the province, OPASS remains committed to improving property assessment systems, broadening the local revenue base, and ensuring that economic growth translates into better public services and greater opportunities for every South Cotabateño.
