KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato is set to take a major step toward digital governance with the rollout of the Real Property Tax Administration System (RPTAS) in July 2026, a modernization initiative led by the Office of the Provincial Assessor (OPASS) aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in property assessment services.
The new digital platform will transform how real property assessments are managed in the province by centralizing records, streamlining workflows, and reducing reliance on manual transactions.
Provincial Assessor Engineer Richie A. Ballesta said the digital initiative is designed to make public service faster, more accurate, and more responsive to the needs of South Cotabateños.
“The implementation of RPTAS is a major institutional reform that will improve efficiency and strengthen data integrity in property assessment. More importantly, it enhances accessibility and transparency for the public,” Ballesta said.
According to OPASS, the transition to RPTAS addresses long-standing operational challenges involving fragmented records, time-consuming processes, and delayed transactions.
The modernization effort aligns with Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr.’s continuing push for innovative and technology-driven governance systems that improve public service delivery.
Compared to traditional paper-based systems, the new platform is expected to significantly reduce processing time for certifications, property verification, tax declarations, and other assessment-related transactions.
“The digital transformation initiative also complements South Cotabato’s broader implementation of Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), which promotes standardized and modern property valuation systems nationwide,” he said.
Alongside system upgrades, Ballesta said OPASS personnel underwent capability-building programs and Geographic Information System (GIS) training to ensure smooth implementation and improved technical competency.
“The province’s investment in digital infrastructure reflects a long-term vision of building a smarter and more responsive local government capable of adapting to the growing demands of modern public administration,” Ballesta said.
As the launch date approaches, OPASS will continue coordinating with stakeholders and local government units to ensure the successful implementation of the RPTAS across South Cotabato.
