President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reconstituted the inter-agency governing board overseeing the Local Governance Reform Project (LGRP) to strengthen reforms in property valuation, implement digital tax databases, and improve local tax administration.

Under Administrative Order (AO) 49 that Marcos signed on Sept. 28, the Inter-Agency Governing Board (IGB) was reconstituted to oversee the completion of the remaining LGRP deliverables and sustain capacity-building for local assessors.

The LGRP is a joint initiative of the Department of Finance, Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), and the Asian Development Bank.

The initiative complements Republic Act No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, which mandates the automation of real property tax administration in local government units (LGUs) and directs the BLGF to ensure full system automation nationwide.

AO 49 designates the Finance secretary as chair of the reconstituted IGB, with the secretaries of Economy, Planning and Development; Budget and Management; Interior and Local Government; and Information and Communications Technology serving as members.

The board also includes the commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the BLGF executive director, representatives from the leagues of provinces, cities and municipalities, and representatives from a non-governmental organization and the private sector.

The BLGF will serve as the IGB Secretariat and provide technical and administrative support.

The IGB is required to convene at least twice a year or as needed.

AO 49 directs the IGB to strengthen institutional development and policy support for property valuation; implement a property tax valuation database and information systems; enhance real property tax of select LGUs; professionalize local assessors; and strengthen the capacity of local governments.

The IGB is also mandated to review the overall project strategy and direction to keep it aligned with government policies and priorities, address issues arising during implementation, and monitor the commitments and deliverables of implementing agencies.

Before completing its work, the board must publish an accomplishment report detailing budget utilization, project evaluation, recommendations, and programs implemented under the LGRP and submit a copy to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The IGB will be dissolved upon completion of the required LGRP outputs and submission of its final accomplishment report, unless the President dissolves it sooner.

AO 49 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)