ILOILO – Fourteen municipalities in this province have been elevated to first-class status, following the issuance of Department Order No. 074, Series of 2024, by the Department of Finance (DOF).
The order, signed by Finance secretary Ralph Recto on November 5, outlines the income classifications of provinces, cities, and municipalities based on their average annual regular income for the three fiscal years preceding a general income reclassification.
Under the updated classification, municipalities are categorized into five classes according to income ranges:
* 1st class – P200 million or more
* 2nd class – P160 million to less than P200 million
* 3rd class – P130 million to less than P160 million
* 4th class – P90 million to less than P130 million
* 5th class – less than P90 million
The following towns have been reclassified into the first-class category from second-class: Ajuy, Barotac Nuevo, Cabatuan, Carles, Leon, Estancia, Pavia, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Sara, and Tigbauan.
On the other hand, the following towns were reclassified into first-class from third-class: Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, and Dingle.
These additions bring the total number of first-class municipalities in Iloilo Province to 21, excluding Passi City.
This income reclassification reflects the improving economic standing of these municipalities thru stronger fiscal capacity and development potential.
The other towns that remain classified as first-class are Pototan, Oton, Miag-ao, Lambunao, Janiuay, Calinog, and Dumangas.
Changes in Other Classifications
Several towns have also seen improvements in their classifications:
* Second-class municipalities – Alimodian, Balasan, Banate, Igbaras, Leganes, Maasin, San Dionisio, and San Enrique
* Third-class municipalities – Anilao, Dueñas, Guimbal, Lemery, San Miguel, and Zarraga
* Fourth-class municipalities – Badiangan, Batad, Bingawan, Mina, New Lucena, San Rafael, and Tubungan
Notably, Iloilo Province no longer has any fifth-class municipalities. Towns such as Batad, Mina, San Rafael, and Bingawan have moved up from fifth to fourth class.
Effective Date
The reclassification will take effect on January 1, 2025, in accordance with Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11964 and its implementing rules and regulations./PN