CEBU, Philippines - A firm based in Mactan Export Processing Zone in Lapu-Lapu City emerged as the city's top taxpayer out of the 25 recognized by the city on Friday evening. Lapu-Lapu City honored Lear Automotive Philippines, Inc. as its number one taxpayer, followed by General Milling Corporation, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Fairchild Semiconductor, Inc., Taiyo Yuden Corp., Philippine Iino Corporation and Gaisano Grand Mall of Mactan.
Also awarded were Plantation Bay Holdings Corporation, MSY Holdings Corp., Funai Electric Cebu, Inc., Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Inc., Taipan Development Inc. (Gaisano Capital Mactan), Cebu Light Industrial Park Inc., Seascapes Resort Inc., Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, Pentax Cebu Corp.
Rounding out the list of top taxpayers were MSM Cebu, Inc. (Precision Spring), TMX Philippines Inc., Freemont Food Corporation (Jollibee), Philippine Long Distance Company, Prohomes Development Inc., Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp. and NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corp.
The Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa was proclaimed the first hall of famer for the award. Jonji Gonzales of Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office said Shangri-La's has been number one in the taxpayer's list for five consecutive years.
He added that the recognition was the city's way of paying tribute to the outstanding companies and to encourage other establishments to meet the obligation in rendering tax payments.
At the program, Mayor Paz Radaza appreciated the taxpayers' efforts in promptly paying their tax dues. She added that the top taxpayers of the city are models from which other firms can draw inspiration.
"You've shown to others that it is worth paying our taxes because you know where and how they are being spent," Radaza told representatives of the recognized firms.
The recognition of top taxpayers has been done in the city for five years now.
Meanwhile, the city also launched its brand as "Historic Resort City" and its official branding jingle song "Free Yourself."
Different departments under Radaza's administration graced the night with their new uniforms on. The four brand colors of the city are sky blue, golden yellow, persimmon orange and forest green.
Present in the event were Department of Tourism-7 director Rowena Montecillo, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 director Ahmed Cuizon, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ma. Teresa Chan, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong, city councilors, barangay officials and tourism commissioners. (FREEMAN)