Nueva Ecija Honors Top Taxpayers in Inaugural Recognition Ceremony

In a pioneering move to promote fiscal responsibility and public-private collaboration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Ecija and the Association of Licensing Officers–Nueva Ecija (ALO-NE) held the 1st Top Taxpayer Awarding Ceremony on July 11, 2025, at the NEUST Mini Convention Center in Sumacab Este, Cabanatuan City. The event marked a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to encourage transparency, accountability, and economic development.

The ceremony brought together representatives from local government units (LGUs), business leaders, licensing officers, and the Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija (PGNE) to honor the contributions of 110 top taxpayers from across the province. The event was hailed as a groundbreaking initiative by both DTI and ALO-NE, setting a precedent for future collaborations to strengthen tax compliance and recognize the crucial role of businesses in nation-building.

Awardees included micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under corporate and sole proprietor categories that demonstrated exemplary tax compliance and significantly contributed to provincial revenue. Each of the province’s five cities and 27 municipalities ranked their top three taxpayers, whose owners and company representatives received plaques of recognition. The awards were presented by DTI, ALO-NE, PGNE officials, and local chief executives from the LGUs of Bongabon, Gen. Mamerto Natividad, Lupao, Rizal, Talavera, and Talugtug, accompanied by messages of appreciation and encouragement for continued excellence.

The event also served as a platform for dialogue between government agencies and the business community. DTI-Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan underscored the importance of fostering trust and cooperation, saying, “Recognizing our top taxpayers is not just about numbers—it’s about building a culture of integrity and shared responsibility.”

ALO-NE President Rosemarie Reyes highlighted the critical role of licensing officers in ensuring fair and efficient business regulation. She praised the collaborative spirit that made the event possible and called for sustained efforts to support local enterprises through policy innovation and capacity-building.

Following the success of the inaugural ceremony, DTI and ALO-NE plan to institutionalize the Top Taxpayer Awarding Ceremony as an annual event. Future editions will expand recognition to include categories that honor innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

The gathering at NEUST celebrated fiscal excellence while signaling a broader movement toward a more transparent, inclusive, and prosperous Nueva Ecija. -Honeylen Marie P. Fernando, DTI-Nueva Ecija Provincial Office