As Lezo continues to grow, so does our responsibility to stay informed about the decisions that shape our community. One of the more significant updates making its way through local government right now is the Proposed 2027 Schedule of Market Values, recently released by the Aklan Office of the Provincial Assessor — and it’s worth taking the time to understand what it means for all of us.
This update is part of a broader national push under Republic Act No. 12001, or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA), which aims to modernize how land and property are valued across the Philippines. The intent is simple but meaningful: to make sure that tax assessments actually reflect today’s market realities, not figures that were drawn up years or even decades ago.
So What Changes for Lezo?
Starting in 2027, these proposed values will serve as the new baseline for computing real property taxes in our municipality. For residential land in our prime areas, the proposed market value is set at ₱5,200 per square meter. Commercial properties in the heart of Lezo are proposed at ₱9,100 per square meter for first-class areas. Local subdivisions like Legaspi Land Scapes have been given specific rates that take into account their infrastructure and amenities. And for our agricultural lands — the rice fields and orchards that remain the backbone of many Lezo families — the valuations have been structured with the farmer in mind, tying figures to actual land productivity rather than arbitrary benchmarks.
Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers
It’s easy to see a headline about property tax rates and tune out. But the real property tax system is directly connected to the services we rely on every day. The revenue generated stays within our community — going toward local roads, health centers, public facilities, and the many programs that make Lezo more than just a dot on the map. Our town carries the proud title of the “Pottery Capital of Aklan,” and sustaining that identity takes real investment. Updated, accurate property valuations help ensure that investment is funded fairly.
Transparency in this process also matters because it protects ordinary property owners. When valuations are based on current and verifiable data, it becomes much harder for assessments to be inconsistent or open to question.
Your Participation Makes a Difference
The provincial government will be holding public consultations in the coming weeks, and this is genuinely an opportunity worth taking. Residents can sit down and see exactly how their barangay or property type is classified, ask questions about how building construction costs factor into the assessment, and raise concerns if they feel the proposed values don’t accurately reflect conditions on the ground. These consultations are not a formality — they are a chance for the community to have a real say in how these numbers are finalized.
If you’d like to review the details beforehand, the full Notice to the Public and the complete Schedule of Market Values are available at the Lezo Municipal Hall. Taking a look before the consultations will help you come prepared with the right questions.
Growth is only meaningful when it’s built on fairness. Let’s stay engaged, stay informed, and make sure Lezo’s progress works for everyone.