FOR having been able to develop the first city-owned computerization system which proved to be more efficient in terms of revenue collection, a number of employees were commended by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for the brainchild.         

This, as he announced that owing to the improved collection, the clothing allowances for Manila City Hall employees in the amount of P4,000 each will be released sooner than expected.                                                                                           

In gratitude, Lim presented plaques of appreciation to Jehiel Revilleza, officer-in-charge of the Electronic Data Processing (EDP); executive assistant III Engr. Youssef Ahmad; City Security Force (CSF) officer-in-charge ret. Col. Romulo Ilagan and Chief Inspector Mar Reyes, head of the Manila City Hall and Police Assistance unit, during the regular flag-raising ceremony held at the Manila City Hall’s Freedom Triangle yesterday morning.                                                   

It was learned from Ric de Guzman, the mayor’s chief of staff and media bureau chief, that the city treasurer’s office under Marissa de Guzman has already started releasing the said allowances yesterday, right after the mayor had made the announcement.                                                                                                              

In giving out the awards, Lim lauded the said city employees for having successfully developed the first city-owned computerized revenue system which he said resulted in a  37 percent increase in the city’s revenue collection.                                    

“In addition, the computerization of the city’s revenue system enabled the city government to uncover delinquent taxpayers and business establishments which have been operating without paying their dues to the city,” the mayor said.           

“Dahil maagang nakapangulekta ngayon ng ating mga buwis, pasalamat tayo doon sa mga awardees na tumulong ma-develop ang sarili nating computerized revenue system.   Kaya maaga din nating ibibigay ang inyong “clothing allowance,” mula sa araw na ito pwede na ninyong makuha depende kung mabilis gumawa ang payroll clerk ninyo,” Lim told the city employees.                            

Ric de Guzman, meanwhile, said the commendation given by the mayor is well deserved, since the new computerized system, coupled by an intensive tax collection as ordered by Lim himself, is more efficient and yet spells huge savings for the city , as it is operated at a very minimal cost.                                                

City treasurer De Guzman said 11,000 employees will benefit from the said release of allowances for this year, which is given on one-time basis.