The First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), a special economic zone developed by the Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Japan’s Sumitomo Corp., along with 17 of its locators, emerged as top contributors to Tanauan City’s 2024 tax revenue program, reinforcing the ecozone’s critical role in the city’s economic and fiscal development.
Seven FPIP locators collectively paid over ₱1 billion in business and real property taxes last year—equivalent to nearly 25 percent of the city’s ₱4.3-billion budget—underscoring the corporate sector’s major role in funding public services, including education and social programs.
FPIP and nine of its locators swept all awards under the Top 10 Real Property Taxpayers category, while eight also secured spots in the Top 10 Business Taxpayers list, according to city government data.
Honda Philippines, Inc., an FPIP-based motorcycle manufacturer, led all taxpayers with ₱324.5 million in total taxes—₱275.15 million in business tax and ₱49.34 million in real property tax. Meanwhile, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. topped real property tax payments at ₱176.48 million and ranked third in business tax contributions with ₱56.17 million.
Other top FPIP contributors included Nestle Philippines, Murata Philippines, Brother Industries, and Canon Business Machines, all ranking among Tanauan City’s seven biggest sources of tax revenue.
Tanauan City mayor Nelson “Sonny” Collantes hailed the private sector’s role in boosting city finances: “I believe the richest LGU in Batangas now is Tanauan City, because our business partners are paying their taxes.” Vice mayor Wilfredo “Dodong” Ablao added that the increased revenue allowed the city to double its education assistance program, expanding its reach from 27,000 to 54,000 schoolchildren.
Established as a premier investment destination for global manufacturers, FPIP now hosts hundreds of companies across its 600-hectare site, providing employment to nearly 80,000 Filipinos and driving inclusive economic growth in Batangas.
