BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has called on landowners to convert their idle properties into office and business process outsourcing (BPO) spaces to meet the growing demand in the metropolis.
In a statement, Treñas highlighted the city’s role as a flourishing economic hub and stressed the importance of utilizing untapped land resources to sustain the city’s progress.
“I encourage landowners to maximize the potential of their idle lands by developing them into buildings that can accommodate office and BPO spaces,” he said.
The mayor pointed to the increasing need for office spaces as a sign of Iloilo City’s economic growth, urging property owners to contribute to the city’s ongoing development.
He cited a report from Leechiu Property Consultants, which revealed that the demand for office and BPO spaces in Iloilo City has already exceeded the current supply.
This shortage underscores the need for land development to keep pace with the city’s rapid economic expansion.
Treñas earlier reminded taxpayers to settle their 2025 real property taxes early to benefit from significant discounts.
The city government has extended a 40% discount on real property taxes for landowners and businesses until 2026.
Furthermore, taxpayers who make advance or prompt payments in December can enjoy an additional 10% discount on taxes for land, structures, and machinery.
“This is a great opportunity for taxpayers to save while avoiding the rush during the first quarter, particularly in January for business permit renewals and in March for real property tax deadlines,” Treñas said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Treñas expressed optimism for Iloilo City’s future, describing it as a period of remarkable growth driven by new investments and increased job opportunities for Ilonggos.
He also pointed out that buildings designed for BPO operations in the city are eligible for substantial incentives, including city tax-free operations, exemptions from real property tax (RPT), and no business taxes for BPO companies.
Additionally, the city government is ready to declare these areas as PEZA zones, offering further advantages to investors and developers.
“This development opens up countless possibilities for 2025, as the need for more office spaces signals the influx of new companies that will bring with them thousands of job opportunities for Ilonggos,” Treñas emphasized.
The mayor underscored that this progress not only strengthens the local economy but also enhances the quality of life for residents by offering stable, high-paying jobs.
He encouraged landowners to participate in Iloilo City’s development, noting that investing in building projects boosts property values and plays a crucial role in the city’s advancement./PN
