Palm Concepcion Power tops Iloilo taxpayers list

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Palm Concepcion Power Corp. retained its position as Iloilo province’s top corporate real property taxpayer for the third consecutive year, paying more than PHP 48.6 million in taxes for calendar year 2025.

The company, which operates a coal-fired power plant in Concepcion, led the list of top taxpayers recognized by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office during an awarding ceremony at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City on Thursday, June 25.

Joining PCPC among the top corporate taxpayers were 8990 Housing Development Corp., which paid PHP 15.9 million, and Property Company of Friends Inc., which paid PHP 13 million in real property taxes.

In the individual category, spouses Dennis B. Devicente and Dolores P. Devicente topped the list after paying more than PHP 4 million in real property taxes.

Joseph Yu ranked second with more than PHP 2.2 million, followed by Ricky Ang with PHP 2.1 million.

The provincial government also honored the top three taxpayers for the annual fixed tax on delivery trucks and vans and the top five taxpayers in amusement tax, bringing the total number of awardees to 48.

Provincial Treasurer Jean Maire Umadhay said the annual recognition goes beyond acknowledging tax compliance, describing it as a celebration of the partnership between taxpayers and the provincial government in advancing development.

“Unlike independent cities that enjoy dense, highly concentrated commercial tax bases, the Province of Iloilo relies heavily on real property taxes to build its independence and self-sustainability. Every single peso of local revenue is hard-earned, and its collection requires deliberate strategic effort,” Umadhay said.

She said the province continues to rank among the country’s top performers in locally sourced revenues and has been recognized by the Bureau of Local Government Finance as one of the Philippines’ economically resilient and business-friendly provinces.

According to Umadhay, locally generated revenues have enabled the provincial government to upgrade its 13 district and provincial hospitals, expand the Iskolar sa Iloilo scholarship program, provide energy crisis assistance to families in need, and finance the construction of roads, bridges, and school facilities.

“When you pay your taxes, you are not just funding a government; you are actively anchoring the welfare of our fellow Ilonggos,” she said.

Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque also thanked taxpayers for their continued support, saying tax revenues remain “the backbone of the development of the Province of Iloilo” and are translated into health care services, infrastructure projects, community programs, and other initiatives benefiting Ilonggos.

The Provincial Treasurer’s Office said 48 taxpayers were recognized for their 2025 payments, with Palm Concepcion Power Corp. leading the corporate category.