On July 31, 2024, the Philippine Tax Academy (PTA) marked the 14th anniversary of its founding charter as a specialized learning institution for tax and customs collectors and administrators of the government with a celebration of accomplishments and new initiatives for 2024 and 2025. The event, held at the Department of Finance (DOF) Podium and graced by the presence of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, brought together key stakeholders from the DOF, its attached agencies, and partners.
PTA President Gil S. Beltran in his welcome address outlined the Academy’s vision of a more productive learning and development future with them, encapsulated in the theme “Elevate: Empowering Revenue Professionals, 14 Years and Beyond”. He highlighted the Academy’s significant strides in 2023 and introduced innovative programs for 2024.
On behalf of Secretary Recto, Undersecretary Renato Reside, Jr., delivered the keynote message emphasizing the PTA’s critical role in upholding professional and ethical standards within the revenue-generating institutions. He underscored the academy’s commitment to fostering innovation, excellence in public service, and developing highly skilled revenue professionals. “Apart from upskilling and reskilling, you must take on the mantle of evangelists for moral fitness in public service, inculcating a strong value for selflessness that springs from a genuine love of country.” – this was the challenge of Usec Reside to the Academy.
Chancellor Ma. Teresa S. Habitan of the PTA’s Local Government Finance Institute presented the Academy’s 2023 accomplishments, including surpassing targets for the number of courses developed and learners trained. She further highlighted the seamless delivery of PTA’s electronic learning management platform newly named as Enterprise Learning Management System, the competency-based system development of the BIR, BOC, and BLGF, and the establishment of partnerships with UP Los Baños and Korean Customs Institute through Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Fresh Academy initiatives for 2024 and 2025 launched during the anniversary are the pre-service program for all applicants to the BIR, BOC, and BLGF and a groundbreaking program, the Treasurer Professionalization Program (TPP), to address the evolving needs of local government units (LGUs) as they face opportunities and challenges to become stronger partners of economic development.
The launch of the pre-service program for the 3 bureaus finally implements Section 4 of the PTA Charter which requires all applicants to the Bureaus to pass the basic courses before they can be hired whether on contractual or permanent status. On the other hand, the TPP comprises a pre-service program for aspiring local treasurers, an onboarding program for local treasurers, and a certification program designed to equip local treasurers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and utilize expanded resources.
With these initiatives, the Philippine Tax Academy reaffirms its commitment to empowering revenue professionals and strengthening the nation’s tax administration. By investing in the development of skilled and competent tax, customs, and public finance practitioners, the PTA is laying the groundwork for a more efficient, equitable, and transparent tax system that contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.
Philippine Tax Academy celebrating its 14th Anniversary with DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto, DOF officials, partners from BIR, BOC, and BLGF, and other key stakeholders.
DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto with PTA Officials (L-R: Director IV Ma. Luisa M. Notario, LGFI Chancellor Ma. Teresa S. Habitan, PTA President Gil S. Beltran, DOF Secretary Ralph G. Recto, CI Chancellor Atty. Noemi B. Alcala-Garcia, and CI Vice-Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth B. Pableo)