The Tanauan City local government unit (LGU) recognized these companies during ceremonies held at city hall on July 14, citing their significant roles in supporting the LGU’s programs and operations.
The total P1 billion in business and real property taxes paid by FPIP and seven of its locators accounted for nearly 25 percent of the city’s total 2024 budget of P4.3 billion.
“I would like to believe that the richest LGU in Batangas now is Tanauan City, because our partners from the business sector are paying their taxes,” said Mayor Nelson “Sonny” P. Collantes during the ceremony.
Vice Mayor Wilfredo “Dodong” Ablao added that the tax contributions allowed the LGU to double funding for education and community support programs. According to him, the number of schoolchildren benefiting from the city’s education assistance doubled from 27,000 to 54,000, with the maximum number of beneficiaries per family increasing from two to four.
FPIP and nine of its locators swept the Top 10 Real Property Taxpayer (RPT) category, while eight companies landed spots on the list of the Top 10 Business Taxpayers.
Honda Philippines, Inc., a motorcycle assembler operating inside FPIP, emerged as the top overall taxpayer, contributing P275.15 million in business tax and P49.34 million in real property tax, for a total of P324.5 million.
Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp., also inside FPIP, ranked as the city’s top RPT contributor at P176.48 million and third in business tax with P56.17 million, bringing its total contribution to P232.65 million.
Other major contributors included:
Nestlé Philippines Inc. – P149.41 million
Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. – P77.21 million
FPIP – P54.53 million
Brother Industries Philippines Inc. – P50.29 million
Canon Business Machines Philippines Inc. – P40.87 million
The contributions by FPIP and its partners are not just fiscal. The 600-hectare economic zone, established by First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, provides employment to nearly 80,000 Filipinos and continues to attract world-class manufacturers and traders.
“FPIP is not just a tax contributor but a vital partner in the city’s growth and development,” said Collantes, as he handed a plaque of recognition to FPIP assistant vice president Jason M. de las Alas during the ceremony. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
