CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Real property owners who were greatly affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake are now redirected to the reappraisal and reassessment of real properties across Cebu Province to help lessen the financial burden they carry.
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro issued an Executive Order directing the reappraisal and reassessment of real properties that sustained damage from the recent earthquake, as her administration ensures that affected real property owners will be taxed based on fair and updated property values.
This is one of the provincial government’s efforts to provide tax relief and equitable valuation to thousands of residents whose homes, buildings, and businesses were affected by the strong tremor.
Under the governor’s EO, both the Provincial and Municipal Assessor’s Offices are mandated to conduct ocular inspections, reappraisals, and reassessments of all properties damaged by the earthquake.
Provincial Assessor Michelle Languido confirmed that her office will spearhead a massive reassessment drive starting next week, in coordination with all municipal assessors.
Languido stated that the purpose of the reassessment is to ensure that the adjusted assessed and taxable values will be implemented in the last quarter of the year.
She also mentioned that the depreciated value of each property will be based on the extent of the damage, which will be verified through a physical inspection. “The depreciated value of each property will be determined based on the extent of the damage,” her statement reads.
The reappraisal will cover residential houses, commercial establishments, poultry houses, and other structures that sustained partial or total damage.
The Provincial Government earlier placed Cebu under a State of Calamity through Executive Order No. 57, as adopted by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 1985-2025.
The declaration was made following widespread reports of property damage across multiple towns and cities, prompting the province to activate relief and rehabilitation measures.
Baricuatro’s EO cited Section 198 and Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160) as the legal basis for the directive.
Section 198 states that real property shall be appraised at its current and fair market value, while Section 16 empowers local governments to take actions necessary to promote general welfare.
The Executive Order highlights that the recent earthquake has significantly changed the fair market value of many properties. As a result, a reassessment is necessary “to ensure fair and equitable valuation for taxation purposes.”
The Provincial Assessor’s Office has committed to making this reappraisal transparent and fair, focusing especially on the areas most affected by the earthquake.
Homeowners are encouraged to visit their respective Municipal Assessor’s Offices to formally request reappraisal and reassessment of their properties.
The coordinated inspection teams will begin in northern Cebu, where structural damages were reported to be most severe, before proceeding to other localities.
“The Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to helping affected residents recover and rebuild, ensuring that tax measures remain fair, justifiable, reasonable and responsive to the current situation and actual circumstances,” Languido assured.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
