ILOILO CITY — Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. presented Iloilo’s successful implementation of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) at a national executive forum on July 9, 2026. The province’s digital innovation and data cleansing have made it a benchmark for fair and efficient property valuation, directly benefiting the local real estate market.
A Digital Leap in Property Assessment
Iloilo developed its own digital platform, the Province of Iloilo’s Assessment System (AsSys), even before the national law was passed. This centralized database automates tax declarations, assessment notices, and statutory reports for all 42 municipalities. For real estate professionals, a unified digital system means faster verification of property records and more transparent transactions.
The AsSys platform eliminates manual record‑keeping and reduces errors that once plagued property assessments. Buyers and sellers can now expect accurate and consistent property valuations across the province. This digital backbone strengthens investor confidence, as it ensures that every transaction is backed by verified, up‑to‑date data.
Cleansing Data to Unlock Hidden Value
Between 2023 and 2025, Iloilo invested ₱15.68 million in rigorous data cleansing and field inspections. The effort led to the cancellation of 31,588 non‑existent real property units and the discovery of 24,912 previously unassessed structures. This validation uncovered ₱101.25 million in new collectibles from undiscovered assets alone.
Another 194,655 existing structures were validated, securing an additional ₱442.72 million in collectibles. For the real estate sector, this clean database eliminates phantom properties and ensures that taxes are based on real, verifiable assets. A transparent tax base encourages legitimate property development and discourages under‑the‑table transactions.
Fair Taxation Through Mitigation Measures
Governor Defensor emphasized that Iloilo intentionally set its assessment levels below the maximum thresholds allowed under the Local Government Code. This deliberate move cushions taxpayers from sudden spikes while still updating the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs). Iloilo has been updating its SMVs since 2017, making it one of the first provinces to fully comply with RPVARA.
The province also conducted community consultations to determine affordable valuation levels. By balancing revenue goals with the taxpayers’ capacity to pay, Iloilo has created a predictable tax environment. For property investors, predictable taxation is a critical factor in long‑term financial planning and asset valuation.
Revenue Growth Without Overburdening Property Owners
Iloilo’s systematic approach is projected to generate an additional ₱495.92 million in revenue by 2028, even if the 2017 assessment levels are maintained. This revenue is expected to fund better healthcare, infrastructure, and social services. Increased public investment directly enhances the livability of neighborhoods, which in turn drives real estate demand and property values.
Governor Defensor stressed that good governance justifies taxation. When citizens see their taxes translated into tangible services, they become more willing partners in the system. For the real estate market, this translates into a more stable and attractive investment climate where growth is shared equitably.
National Recognition and Benchmarking
Bureau of Local Government Finance Executive Director Consolacion Agcaoili praised Iloilo for demonstrating that modernization and taxpayers’ trust can go hand in hand. The province’s experience, she noted, reminds the nation that lasting reforms come through collaboration, transparency, and public confidence. Several provinces, including Kalinga and Biliran, have already requested learning visits to benchmark Iloilo’s best practices.
Governor Defensor, who previously authored the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019, has positioned Iloilo as a pioneer in property valuation reform. The national forum, organized by the Department of Finance, highlighted Iloilo’s model as a scalable blueprint for other local governments. As more LGUs adopt similar systems, the country’s overall real estate environment becomes more transparent and investor‑friendly.
