ULAP Hails Signing of the Negros Island Region and Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino governor Dax Cua hailed the signing by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of Republic Act 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA).
“With the signing of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act we can finally update our obsolete property valuation system and make it more efficient and effective.
“This is a law that will benefit not only local government units but also all investors and property holders who can expect transparent and accurate valuation of their properties,” Cua said.
The RPVARA aims to streamline and improve the real property valuation and assessment system by shifting to a uniform real property appraisal compliant with international standards.
The law also adopts the prevailing market value as the single real property valuation base for assessing the real property tax.
ULAP has been advocating for reforms in the country's real property valuation, which it believes would empower LGUs and improve their service delivery.
Cua said the much-needed reform is crucial in improving LGUs’ own-source revenues, which he said would help in efforts to attain local fiscal autonomy.
“Due to an inefficient and outdated system we have lost revenue over the years that surely amounts to billions. These are revenues that could have been used to render key social services to our communities,” the governor said.
Cua also urged the national government to provide trainings to LGUs to ensure that the new property valuation system is properly implemented.
“The objectives of this law will only be obtained if it is properly implemented across the board. We will need the help of the national government regarding this,” he said.
Following ULAP, DILG, and NEDA Studies, Committee on Devolution (ComDev) Presents Draft EO Amending EO No. 138, s. 2021
The Committee on Devolution (ComDev) convened its 9th meeting on June 13 at the Department of Budget and Management Office in Manila City. The meeting aimed to present the draft Executive Order (EO) amending EO No. 138, s. 2021, incorporating recommendations from a sensitivity analysis conducted by NEDA on various devolution scenarios as well as ULAP and DILG's studies on service delivery rationalization.
Chaired by DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the meeting was attended by NEDA Undersecretaries Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos and Joseph J. Capuno. Also present were officials from the DILG Philippines, Department of Finance, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines represented by Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Policy Director Ralfhee Blake Barrios, and League of Provinces of the Philippines.
The draft EO aims to refine the devolution framework to better align with national and local governance needs, reflecting collaborative efforts among key stakeholders to enhance administrative efficiency and service delivery across the country.
ULAP and UCLG ASPAC President Governor Dax Cua and ULAP Legal Counsel and Philippine Board Members' League Chairman Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr. Attend the First Session of the 2024 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting and Likupang Tourism Festival 2024
Governor Dax Cua, President of United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, together with ULAP Legal Counsel and Chairman of the Philippine Board Members' League Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr. and ULAP's Director for Strategic Partnerships William Batac, participated in the First Session of the 2024 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting. Held from June 5 to 7 in Likupang, North Minahasa Regency, the event drew over 200 mayors, officials, and stakeholders from more than 25 local governments across the Asia-Pacific region.
The session centered around the theme "Enhancing Sustainable Tourism and Creative Economy through Asia-Pacific Collaboration." Hosted generously by North Minahasa Regency, the event coincided with the 2024 Likupang Tourism Festival, highlighting the region's cultural richness and commitment to sustainable development.
Governor Dax Cua and Atty. Ananias Canlas, Jr. actively engaged in various key activities during the three-day event. Governor Cua delivered opening remarks at several sessions, including those of the Belt and Road Local Cooperation Committee and the 21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee. The event also featured a joint initiative on gender equality and women's participation in local governance, where exemplary practices from cities like Dagupan and Jambi were shared.
The Executive Bureau members deliberated on significant agenda items, including the approval of new members and updates on upcoming statutory meetings. They also renewed strategic partnerships through memoranda of understanding with key stakeholders, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable urban development goals.
Parallel activities included insightful side events on the Creative Blue and Green Economy and Rural-Urban Revitalisation Linkages in Tourism, showcasing best practices and fostering networking opportunities among participants.
Looking ahead, the Second Session of the 2024 Executive Bureau is scheduled for October in Zhengzhou, China, while the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress will convene in Goyang Special City, South Korea in 2025, focusing on sustainable global cities and regions.
Board Member Jun Canlas addressed the 2024 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau, focusing on enhancing sustainable tourism and the creative economy in Asia-Pacific. He emphasized Pampanga's mangrove conservation efforts, crucial for climate resilience and carbon sequestration. Highlighting initiatives at Sasmuan Coastal Wetlands, a Ramsar site, Atty. Canlas advocated for local partnerships and community involvement in creative economy and sustainable eco-tourism. His call for regional collaboration in blue carbon development resonated, advocating for a future where environmental stewardship supports economic growth.
Philippine Army, ULAP Bolster Partnership for Nation-Building
Present during the strategic briefing were key officials from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and its member leagues. These included:
- Vice Gov. Katherine Agapay (ULAP Vice Chairman, LVGP National President, and Vice Governor of Laguna)
- Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta (ULAP Liaison Officer, VMLP National President, and Vice Mayor of San Mariano, Isabela)
- Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz (ULAP Vice President – Mindanao, VMLP National Chairman, and Vice Mayor of Malabon)
- BM Ananias Canlas (ULAP Legal Counsel, PBMLP National Chairman, and Board Member of Pampanga)
- BM Ram Revilla (ULAP Treasurer, PBMLP National President, and Board Member of Cavite)
- BM Jessica Dy (ULAP Member of the Board, LNB National President, and Board Member of Isabela Province)
- Coun. Raul Corro (ULAP Chairman for Advocacy and Policy, PCL National Chairman, and Councilor of Muntinlupa City)
- BM Mila Catabay-Lauigan (Secretary-General and Board Member of Cagayan)
- BM Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara (Vice President for Luzon and Board Member of the 1st District of Calamba, Laguna)
- BM Christian Nino Lajara (Board Member of the 2nd District of Calamba, Laguna)
- Coun. Jetaime Okinlay (NMYL National Executive Vice President and Councilor of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon)
- Aileen Leycano (ULAP Executive Director)
- Fritzie Aguado (NMYL Executive Director)
- Larry Caminero (PCL Executive Director)
- Christine Valenzuela (LVGP Executive Director)
- Maricor Cauton (ULAP Director for Finance and Admin)
- Blake Barrios (ULAP Director for Plans, Program, and Policy)
- Lawrence Trinidad (ULAP Project Development Manager)
- Joshua Gonzales (ULAP IT Officer)
- Hezekiah Alis (PCL Technical Staff)
- Erwin Lulo (PCL Admin Staff)
- Hans Khristoffer Trabado (LNB Liaison Officer Visayas)
ULAP Joins Activities of the Philippine Open Government Partnership Week
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) actively participated in the Philippine Open Government Week 2024, held from May 27 to 31. ULAP Policy Director Ralfhee Blake Barrios joined key activities, including the Opening Session on May 27, themed "Meet the Moment. Raise Ambition. Rise to the Challenge," and the session on May 30 focused on advancing the OGP localization agenda through responsiveness, innovation, and empowerment in local governance. These events, hosted by the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP), emphasized transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, aligning with ULAP's commitment to fostering open government initiatives across the nation.
ULAP Supports Philippine Open Government Partnership Achievements
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) proudly supports the recent accomplishments highlighted by Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Chairperson and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. During the PH-OGP Diplomatic Reception on May 28, 2024, at the Marble Hall, Ayuntamiento, Bureau of the Treasury, Secretary Pangandaman showcased the country's strides in open government.
"We have accomplished a lot for open government in recent years. Hence, imagining the greater heights that we will achieve and the potential impact that we will create through the OGP gives us hope for a better and brighter future. And so...in the spirit of diplomacy and camaraderie, let us meet the moment, raise ambition, and rise to the challenge—together," Sec. Mina emphasized in her keynote.
The event also featured messages from distinguished guests such as Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Jesus Domingo, and PH-OGP Non-Government Steering Committee Chairperson Aurora Chavez. DBM Undersecretary Margaux V. Salcedo hosted the reception.
The gathering saw the presence of notable figures, including Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Treasurer of the Philippines Sharon Almanza, and various other high-ranking officials from national and local governments, the Diplomatic Corps, and International Development Organizations. Local leaders such as Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, along with PH-OGP Steering Committee members, also graced the event.
ULAP stands committed to the principles of open government and looks forward to contributing to the continued success and impact of the PH-OGP initiatives.
