By JEN BAYLON
Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” Benitez clarified about the reclassification of Victorias City under Republic Act (RA) 11964, as the city remains categorized as a fourth-class local government unit (LGU).
“The data used for the recent income reclassification was based on the submitted Statement of Receipts and Expenditures for the years 2020 to 2022. It’s important to note that this period only includes six months of our administration,” Benitez said.
He added that Victorias City, given its size in terms of area and population, receives a relatively small National Tax Allotment (NTA) share, similar to La Carlota City.
“The NTA share is a significant factor in income reclassification, as it has contributed to the increase in income classification for other cities, even without substantial growth in their locally sourced revenues,” he pointed out.
While the implementing circular does not explicitly state that the income reclassification period should cover 2020 to 2022, Benitez said the rationale stems from RA 11964, which took effect in 2023.
“Section 4 of the law specifies that the basis for income classification is the last three fiscal years preceding the year of reclassification, which, in this case, covers 2020-2022,” he said.
Benitez said they have also made a projection based on data from 2021 to 2023.
Using this period as a basis, Victorias City would qualify as a third-class city, with an average annual regular income exceeding P800 million but below P1 billion.
“According to the computations from our city treasurer, Victorias City falls short of the third-class threshold by around P50 million. We’ve requested official data from the Bureau of Local Government Finance to verify this, but these figures give us a clear picture of where we stand,” he added.
Benitez pointed out that the city government experienced a notable increase in revenue when his term started in 2022.
He said the growth can be attributed to two key factors: the implementation of the Mandanas ruling, which expanded LGUs’ funding by increasing their share of national revenues; and the gradual recovery of the economy as restrictions eased and businesses reopened.
Despite these positive indicators, Benitez acknowledged that Victorias City still faces considerable hurdles in its economic development.
“We must confront these challenges head-on,” Benitez emphasized, calling for unity among residents and local officials to improve the city’s financial standing.
Benitez also highlighted the need for strategic planning and investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, tourism and local enterprises.
“To elevate our status, we need to focus on sustainable development initiatives that will create jobs and enhance our local economy,” he said.
Benitez underscored the importance of community engagement in driving economic progress, urging residents to actively participate in local governance and development projects to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
The mayor emphasized the role of education and skills training in empowering the local workforce.
By investing in human capital, he said, Victorias City can better prepare its residents for emerging job markets and attract businesses looking for skilled labor.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We must equip them with the tools they need to succeed,” he noted.
“This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient city. We are moving forward, and together, I know we can achieve so much more for Victorias and its people,” he added./JB, WDJ