Angeles council approves tax incentives for historical structures

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/03/04/angeles-council-approves-tax-incentives-historical-structures-460801
• Friday, March 4, 2016

By Chris Navarro

ANGELES CITY -- The city council here approved Tuesday an ordinance granting tax incentives to owners of historic and cultural edifices and structures located in the city.

Authored by Councilor Jericho Aguas and co-sponsored by councilors Maricel Morales and Edgardo Pamintuan Jr. the said ordinance will grant tax incentives based on zero assessment level for the purpose of real property taxation to owners of historic and cultural edifices and structures within the city.

Aguas said that the purpose of the ordinance is to promote, preserve and protect the historical heritage and culture of Angeleños and prioritize the enhancement of the same by encouraging the property owners of historical edifices, houses and structures to declar , register and preserve said property for future generations.

Aguas said that it is the declared policy of the City Government of Angeles to preserve, protect and maintain all heritage houses, buildings and structures that are found within the city.

He said that the ordinance will also raise the level of awareness and appreciation of Angelenos giving emphasis on local personages who have contributed to the history of the city.

"This will develop tourism and enhance business opportunities in line with the conservation of the socio-cultural heritage, preservation of the environment and sustain development that will contribute to the quality of life of all Angelenos," he said.

He said that a number of historical structures such as old houses dating back to the 1800 century as well as buildings, train stations, school buildings, churches, monasteries and the like have been identified to qualify in the said ordinance.

The councilor said that these are among the requirements to qualify as heritage treasure, historical site or heritage edifice as mentionted under Section 9 of Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 7346, Series of No. 378 , S-2015 or the “Ordinance declaring Angeles City Heritage Zone, and its administration, defining its function and for other purposes.”

"The property must be open to tourists and visitors, it must be maintained by the owner and there must not be any architectural or engineering intervention without the approval of the Angeles City Tourism Office," he said.

The ordinance also stated that the City Assessor grants real property tax incentives among all real property owners of historical edifice and structures applying a zero assessment level on all properties subject of this ordinance.