CITY of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago recognized the taxpayers as the “lifeblood” of the city.

“They are enabling the city to create programs and projects for the Fernandinos,” Santiago said during the taxpayers symposium held at Heroes Hall recently.

With the help of taxpayers, he said the city is able to make investments and project a bigger income for next year.

”Every year, the city's income grows, and for this year, our projected income for 2019 will be P1.91-billion. This is because the taxpayers really help us make a stronger investment,” Santiago added.

Some 300 business establishment owners and stakeholders attended the said symposium, which highlighted collection updates for 2018.

The activity is held annually by the City Government of San Fernando, through its City Treasurer’s Office.

City Treasurer Mary Ann Bautista revealed that as of October 31, 2018, the city has generated revenues of P1.43 billion, which is a combination of the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share and local income.

The city targets to generate P1.67-billion revenues this year.

“Our target is not to have a 100 percent or perfect collection, but it is to have a very good collection for all of us and it will not materialize if not for taxpayers’ contribution. This is a manifestation of a strong public-private partnership,” Bautista said.