BIR awards Sulu as top revenue contributor in Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recognized and awarded Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur Tan and his province as among the top tax payers and best contributors to the government revenue collection in Western Mindanao, respectively.

Tan received both awards during a simple ceremony of the 111th anniversary of the BIR on Friday, organized by Revenue Region 15 in Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City.

BIR regional director Alert Alohildo described Tan and his province as among the principal supporters of the BIR in terms of revenue collections.

“Sulu is one of the best (BIR) contributors and is also awarded as one of the highest tax payers in the province,” Alohildo said.

Tan expressed his gratitude to the BIR for acknowledging their effort to help the government.

“This is a great development and we would like to become a role model not only for politicians but for other provinces that in Sulu we know government and we know how to pay income taxes,” Tan said.

The Sulu governor said that they were encouraged to do their share in paying correct taxes following the development projects implemented by the national government through the office of the chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

He said several national projects such as road pavements, health centers and school buildings have been completed.

Programs for education such as the construction of more classrooms and other facilities, including additional benefits of regular teachers are still being implemented and monitored under the leadership of ARMM Gov. Hataman.

Tan said the recognition of Sulu erases the negative perception that his people do not pay taxes.

“We do pay for as long as we have income,” Tan said Friday night. “We pay to the government because we know the government will pay this to the people through development services.”