PALO,Leyte– Regional Director Diosdado Mendoza along with the smiling officials and employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 14, Tacloban City greeted a large number of taxpayers who rushed to various BIR offices in Leyte and Samar to beat the income tax filing deadline last April 15, 2014.
The BIR Grand FiesTax, which is a combination of the words “fiesta” and “tax” which is now on its second year, was a big hit to the taxpayers as a fiesta inspired income tax filing deadline captured their attention and brought back the spirit of our local culture and added color and entertainment to an otherwise stressful income tax filing deadline.
Simultaneously held in all six district offices in Leyte and Samar, the people in long lines were pleasantly delighted upon being served with free-flowing native delicacies and drinks by officials and employees of the BIR that made tax (return/s) filing more friendly and refreshingly fun.
Folk music filled the air even as taxpayers were enchanted by the colorful performances of a series of folk dances and folk songs from guest artists in the region.
Moreover, free legal assistance was offered to the taxpayers who needed legal advice while paramedics were assigned to offer medicines and blood pressure check-up and formedical emergencies. A special lane dedicated for Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs) and pregnant women has been set up to facilitate their transactions with the Office and address their needs.
“We need a renewed hope to move forward after this Region was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, and the BIR Grand FiesTax is our way of inspiring the people to help rebuild Eastern Visayas,” Director Mendoza said.
“Despite of the calamity that we have experienced, the taxpayers came today to show how they support the BIR and the government by paying their taxes. Thus, it is but fitting that we express our heartfelt thanks to themand commit that we will continue this tradition every year,” he added.
The BIR has continually committed itself to work hand-in-hand with all its partners to help in the recovery efforts of all local industries in the region. Thus, the BIR Grand FiesTax is not just an innovative way to improve the image of the BIR but also an undertaking to encourage and entice taxpayers to pay their taxes as a symbol of patriotism in line with the current thrustof Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. (PR)
