Panabo, Digos and Samal join Tagum in the island’s top 10, putting Davao Region’s revenue-generating capacity in the spotlight
DAVAO CITY (November 13) — Tagum City has crossed the billion-peso mark in locally generated revenues, emerging as Mindanao’s top-performing component city in 2025, while three other cities in the Davao Region also landed in the island’s top 10.
The Davao del Norte capital collected P1.000 billion in locally sourced income, more than P426.5 million ahead of second-ranked Panabo City, which generated P573.65 million, based on figures published by the Tagum City government.
The gap highlights Tagum’s lead in mobilizing revenues from economic activities, local taxes, regulatory fees and other income sources within its jurisdiction.
But the bigger question for residents is whether higher collections translate into better public services, more responsive local government and improved living conditions.
Panabo’s second-place finish strengthens Davao del Norte’s showing, while Digos City in Davao del Sur ranked fifth with P426.02 million. The Island Garden City of Samal placed ninth with P365.52 million.
Together, the four cities give the Davao Region a strong presence in Mindanao’s top 10 locally revenue-generating component cities.
Between Panabo and Digos were Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, which collected P572.41 million, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato, with P435.67 million.
Valencia City in Bukidnon ranked sixth with P408.55 million, followed by Kidapawan City in Cotabato with P407.78 million. Surigao City in Surigao del Norte placed eighth with P378.93 million, while Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental completed the list with P357.98 million.
Tagum Mayor Rey T. Uy credited residents and local government offices for the city’s performance.
“Daghang salamat sa tanan Tagumenyos nga padayon nagamadasigon sa matag-adlaw, ingon man sa mga opisina sa atong lokal nga panggamhanan sa pagpaningkamot arun magmalambuon ang atong syudad,” Uy said.
Locally sourced income generally covers revenues that cities collect from within their jurisdictions, including local taxes, regulatory fees, service charges and earnings from local economic enterprises.
The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) monitors local government revenues and expenditures through its Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE), which provides a basis for assessing local fiscal performance.
For communities, however, the significance of the rankings goes beyond which city collects the most.
Higher locally generated revenues can give local governments greater capacity to finance development programs and respond to community needs. But collections must also be matched by transparent spending, efficient services and investments that benefit ordinary residents.
Tagum’s billion-peso milestone is a measure of its revenue-raising capacity. Whether it becomes a measure of genuine local progress will ultimately depend on how much of that money comes back to the people through better services, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities.
