By Sam Ramos
The Department of Finance (DOF) has officially designated Tawi-Tawi as a first-class province, reflecting its significant economic growth and development. This reclassification is outlined in Department Order No. 074-2024, signed by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on November 5, 2024.
The new classification will take effect on January 1, 2025, in accordance with Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11964 and Rule III, Section 10 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Previously, Tawi-Tawi was classified as a third-class province, with an average annual income between ₱700 million and ₱900 million. The elevation to first-class status indicates that the province’s average annual regular income has reached ₱1.5 billion or more, as stipulated in Republic Act No. 11964.
This advancement is expected to enhance Tawi-Tawi’s capacity to deliver public services, attract investments, and implement infrastructure projects, thereby contributing to the overall development of the province.
The DOF conducts regular income reclassifications of local government units every three years to ensure that income classifications align with prevailing economic conditions. These classifications serve as a basis for determining administrative and statutory aids, financial grants, and other forms of assistance to local governments.
Tawi-Tawi, located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), comprises 11 municipalities and 203 barangays. The province has been striving to improve its economic standing, and this reclassification reflects the success of those efforts.
Local officials and residents have expressed optimism that the new status will lead to increased opportunities and a better quality of life for the people of Tawi-Tawi.