Vice Mayor Jimbo Maristela is pushing for an ordinance granting a 20% discount on real property tax for owners of land, structures, buildings, machinery, and other properties used for agriculture in Puerto Princesa City.
Maristela said the ordinance, if approved in the plenary, would “greatly” help the city’s farming sector.
He explained that farmers continue to face challenges, particularly low “farm-gate price,” limited access to “post-harvest facilities,” and the high cost of fertilizers, pesticides, animal feeds, medicines, and other farm inputs.
Under the proposed ordinance, those who may avail of the 20% discount are owners of land classified as “agricultural land,” including buildings, machinery, improvements, and other structures, provided that more than 50% of the total land area is actually used for agricultural activities.
Landowners must also secure a Certificate of Productive Agricultural Land from the City Agriculturist.
“Para naman mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon ‘yung ating mga farmers na lalong pagbutihin ‘yung kanilang pagiging productive. Para maka-avail sila nitong 20% discount sa agricultural lands at sa kanilang machinery, ay kinakailangang maging productive ang more than 50% ng kanilang lupang sinasaka,” he said.
“Kinakailangan makakuha sila ng certificate mula sa ating City Agriculturist at the same time, ‘yung kanilang tax declaration na agricultural lands talaga ay mayroon silang makukuha sa City Assessor natin,” Maristela added.
He stated that the coverage of the proposed discount is not limited to crop farming but also applies to livestock raisers.
Owners who use more than half of their land for animals such as goats or cattle would also qualify for the 20% discount on agricultural lands they utilize.
Maristela hopes that members of the City Council will recognize the importance of his proposal, which aims to support the agricultural sector in Puerto Princesa, and approve it.
“Hopefully, maaprubahan ito ng Sangguniang Panlungsod para naman makatulong sa ating mga farmers,” he said.
He noted that farmers in the city continue to struggle because of the high cost of farm equipment, fertilizers, and other inputs, while the price of palay has fallen sharply.
He also wants to attract more investors to engage in agriculture in Puerto Princesa by offering tax exemptions or discounts as incentives.
