Capitol honors top taxpayers for 2024

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the vital role of responsible taxpayers in advancing public service as the provincial government honored the 2024 Outstanding Negrenses during the Pasidungog 2025 awarding ceremony held last Friday, Dec. 12, at the Capitol Social Hall.

“Taxation is often discussed in terms of numbers — collections, revenues, and percentages,” Lacson said in his message.

“But behind these figures are real stories: the discipline and commitment of business owners, families, individuals, and corporations who align their success with the public good. These are the stories we honor today,” he added.

Lacson said the awardees’ honest and consistent fulfillment of their tax obligations enables the provincial government to invest in essential programs and services, especially in times of crisis and recovery.

The ceremony, part of the annual Negros Day celebration, recognized a Negrense World War II woman veteran and the province’s 2024 Outstanding Real Property Taxpayers.

Lacson led the awarding alongside Board Members Arthur Marañon and Bambi Depasucat.

World War II veteran Rosita Tabacug Mayang was honored as Outstanding Negrense Woman and was represented by her niece, Mayriam Mayang Arellano.

Recognized as the Top 10 Real Property Taxpayers for 2024 under the corporate category were:
Negros Island Solar Power Inc., BISCOM, North Negros Biopower Inc., Victorias Milling Company Inc., Tanduay Distillers Inc., Asian Alcohol Corp., Jobeco Agro-Industrial Corp., South Negros Biopower Inc., Rabagus Ventures Inc., and Philippine Spring Water Resources.

Under the individual category, the honorees were: The Estate of Buenaventura M. Colmenares of Hinigaran; Rose Marie Biron of E.B. Magalona; Patrick Miguel Montilla and Rafael Abello of Isabela; Afeline Curmi of Candoni; Eduardo Aguilar of Hinigaran; Teotimo Ballesteros Jr. of Toboso; Vicente Lovina of Moises Padilla and Pontevedra; Renato Lacson of Manapla; and Roselyn Java Cordova of E.B. Magalona.

The awarding was initially scheduled for Nov. 5, during the Cinco de Noviembre celebration, but was postponed due to successive typhoons that struck the province and prompted the declaration of a state of calamity.

Negros Day commemorates the historic Nov. 5, 1898 Bloodless Revolution, when Negrenses — led by Gen. Juan Araneta of Bago and Gen. Aniceto Lacson of Talisay — staged a strategic uprising that forced Spanish forces to surrender, a lasting symbol of Negrense unity and courage.