BUTUAN CITY – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 17 (Caraga) has recorded a notable increase in tax collections for the period from January to August 2024:The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 17 (Caraga) has recorded a notable increase in tax collections for the period from January to August 2024, gathering PHP6.9 billion, which marks a 5.35-percent rise from the PHP6.5 billion collected during the same period in the previous year.
According to Philippines News Agency, BIR Caraga Director Jose Eric Furia revealed these figures at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday. Furia stated that the region is on track to achieve its annual collection target of PHP11.7 billion. “For the remaining months of the year, we will need to collect around PHP4.8 billion to meet our goal,” he explained.
The increase in revenue has been partly attributed to the implementation of the Digital Transformation Program initiated by the BIR. This initiative includes the introducti
on of the Online Registration and Update System and the ePAY platform, which facilitates electronic payments. These innovations have helped streamline tax services and improve taxpayer compliance.
Director Furia also emphasized the bureau’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities in the region. Since April, enforcement teams have seized PHP219 million worth of illegal cigarettes, signaling a strong stance against tax evasion linked to smuggled goods.
Furthermore, BIR Caraga’s satellite offices, including those in Cabadbaran City and nearby municipalities, are now equipped with these digital tools, enhancing service delivery and encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the region meets its tax collection goals and supports the country’s fiscal health.