The DILG MIMAROPA, in collaboration with BLGF MIMAROPA, spearheaded the conduct of the Training of LGUs on the Rationalization of Fees and Charges (RFC) and the Updating of the Local Revenue Code (LRC) on September 13 to 17, 2021 via Zoom.

Six target LGUs, including Gasan, Marinduque; Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro; Brooke’s Point, Palawan; Narra, Palawan; Alcantara, Romblon; and Odiongan, Romblon, participated in the 5-day activity.

The 5-day training program covers 6 LGUs: Gasan, Marinduque; Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro; Brooke’s Point, Palawan; Narra, Palawan; Alcantara, Romblon; and Odiongan, Romblon.

Among the participants were Municipal Treasurers, Business Permits and Licensing Officers, Building Officials, Legal Officers, Budget Officers, and Sanggunian Members. Several DILG Field Officers also attended and participated.

The activity was conducted to enhance the technical skills and knowledge of the LGUs on the mechanics of local imposition of taxes, fees, and charges and procedure for the rationalization of Local Fees and Charges (LFC) thru the use of a toolkit, and on the process of updating the Local Revenue Code (LRC).

Mr. Dennis Cunag, LTOO IV from the BLGF MIMAROPA, and LGOO IV Reianne Maranan and LGOO III Chelsea Tamayo, address the participants’ questions during the open forum.

One of the salient features of the DOF-DILG JMC N0. 2019-01 is the utilization of the LFC Toolkit as an instrument to determine the reasonable rates of fees and charges which consist of variable and fixed costs.

Pursuant to the said JMC, the rates of fees and charges shall be revised at just and reasonable rates sufficient to recover the cost of services rendered taking into consideration the Local Fees and Charges (LFC) Toolkit to be issued by the Department of Finance which comprises the direct and and variable costs of the services.

Further, Section 147 of the Local Government Code provides that setting reasonable fees and charges shall be commensurate with the cost of regulation, inspection, and licensing which guided the entire activity.

In his message, DILG MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Rey S. Maranan, CESO V shared his hopes that the training program would result in the LGUs’ actual and immediate actions of utilizing the LFC toolkit and updating their LRC. He also added that the activity will enable the LGUs to become more prepared in their preparation for the full devolution. ##

By: Reianne Mae Maranan & Chelsea Coleen Tamayo