Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza reported a P1.1-billion budget surplus for 2025 and reaffirmed the province’s debt-free status, highlighting prudent fiscal management during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday.
Speaking at The Basket inside the Provincial Capitol Compound in Barangay Amas, Mendoza underscored Cotabato’s strong financial standing, driven by improved revenue generation and disciplined spending.
“Malinaw ang resulta ng mahusay at disiplinadong pamamahala sa ating pananalapi—nananatiling probinsiyang walang utang ang Cotabato,” she said.
The governor noted that the province surpassed several key revenue targets. Locally sourced tax revenues increased by 145.57 percent, reaching P112.1 million from a P77-million target, with collections coming from real property, franchise, professional, and sand and gravel taxes.
Non-tax revenues also posted significant gains, rising by 219.07 percent to P756.4 million, well above the P345.3-million target, largely due to higher income from permits, licenses, and business operations.
Mendoza added that improved real property tax collection boosted the Special Education Fund, which grew by 145.02 percent to P98.6 million from P68 million. The fund supports Department of Education (DepEd) programs, including school construction.
Overall, the province recorded a 109.71-percent accomplishment rate in total general and special funds, with actual collections reaching P5.4 billion, exceeding the P4.9-billion target.
She also highlighted Cotabato’s recognition for “Outstanding Exemplary Fiscal Performance for the Year 2024” from the Bureau of Local Government Finance and the Regional Association of Local Treasurers and Assessors.
In addition, the province ranked second in locally sourced revenue collection, revenues per capita, and revenues relative to total current operating income, and third in social and economic expenditures per capita.
Mendoza said the provincial government generated P985.6 million in trust funds to sustain social programs, crediting the efforts of its 2,304-strong workforce.
“Sa likod ng bawat programang inihahatid para sa bawat pamilyang Cotabateño ay ang dedikasyon ng 2,304 workforce ng kapitolyo,” she said.
She emphasized that Cotabato’s financial strength enables it to sustain long-term development initiatives, citing total assets of P17 billion, total equity of P16 billion, and reduced liabilities of P900 million.
Mendoza attributed these gains to consistent fiscal discipline, enhanced revenue strategies, and continued investments in priority programs and public services.
