THE provincial government of Tarlac bucked the raging global health crisis by posting a P2.763 billion in total revenues, exceeding its 2021 target of P2.586 billion or a net collections surplus of P177.22 million.
While other local government units saw sharp declines in earnings, government auditors noted that Tarlac’s actual collections “exceeded most of its income projections” in both tax and non-tax sources.
“Despite the carryover of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in economic challenges in CY 2021, the Province was able to attain its revenue targets to finance its major programs and projects. It did not only achieve 100 percent of the estimates, but was able to attain 106.85 percent,” the audit team noted.
Tax revenues at yearend reached P93.66 million against a target of P90.22 million. Non-tax revenues amounted to P426.464 million, which was way above the year’s target of only P267.516 million.
For its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share, the province received P2.217 billion and another P4 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The increase in non-tax was bolstered by a P269.8 million income from hospital fees which was projected to provide only P148 million.
“It will be noted that hospital fees collection remarkably increased due admission/tests of patients relative to COVID-19 cases and increased service charge of suppliers/contractors,” the COA said.
However, auditors noted a decline in other collections like tax on sand and gravel extraction; administrative fees from quarry operations; environmental fees, as well as amusement, regulatory fees, and printing and publication taxes.
