CLARK FREEPORT -- A shopping mall in Olongapo City has been recognized as the city's top taxpayer.

SM City Olongapo Downtown was recognized by the Olongapo City government for its valuable contribution to the city's economic growth through honest and prompt payment of their business taxes.

Based on records by the city's Business Permits and Licensing Office, the mall topped the 20 Most Outstanding Business Taxpayers of 2019.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen "LenJ" Paulino handed over a plaque of appreciation to the SM Group together with other companies who made it to the top 20 list.

SM City Olongapo Downtown consistently gained the top spot in paying business taxes since it opened to public.

The top taxpayer awardees in the city were recognized based on their gross sales in 2018 making it a remarkable benefactor for sustaining, maintaining, and improving the public services provided by government to its citizen.

The Most Outstanding Business Taxpayers 2019 awardees include The SM Store (Meridien Business Leader, Inc.); SM Supermarket (Supervalue, Inc.); SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; SM Appliance (Star Appliance Center, Inc.); Upline Foods Corp.; Puregold Price Club, Inc.; Jollibee Foods Corp. (SM); Aivy Food Ventures Company; Ace Hardware Philippines, Inc. (SM); JGR888T "C" Corporation; Marinel Foods Corp.; JGR888T Corp.; Olongapo Line Foods, Corp.; Family Health and Beauty Corp.; Chowking SM (Fresh and Famous Foods, Inc.); JB Richwell Corporation, Greenwich SM (Fresh 'N Famous Foods, Inc.); Beach Bosses Inc.; Wimpy's (Santos Oscar Co); and Claudialicious Food Ventures Inc.