THE province of Batangas has retained its No. 2 spot behind Cebu in the country’s list of richest provinces.
This was based on the Commission on Audit (COA)’s Annual Financial Report released last December 22, 2021, citing BATANGAS PROVINCE as the 2ND RICHEST PROVINCE in the Philippines in terms of net assets after Cebu.
The province of Cebu hogged the limelight with total assets of P213 million, P9.563.78 million in current assets, and P203.441.97 million in non-current assets.
On the other hand, Batangas logged P25.236.43 million, P5.871 in current assets, and P19.364 in non-current assets.
The province of Rizal is third (P23.053M) followed by Davao de Oro (P20.891M), and Bukidnon, fifth with P18.557M total assets.
Rounding out the Top 10 were Negros Occidental, Isabela, Surigao del Norte, Palawan and Iloilo.
The said report covered assets, liabilities, and net assets/equity of all 81 provinces, 145 out of 146 cities, and 1,447 out of 1,488 municipalities that submitted their 2020 financial statements.
It showcases that most, if not all, LGUs in Batangas Province are doing well and being administered efficiently and properly as the cumulative net assets of the 34 cities and municipalities, plus that of the provincial government, are among the highest in the country.
It may be recalled that before the year ended, all of Batangas’ 34 LGUs each received a Good Financial Housekeeping award from the DILG.
As it was reported by COA, subject assets are intact and all accounted for.
For comparative purposes, last year’s ranking is as follows (in millions of pesos):
1. Cebu P196.19
2. Batangas P20.7
3. Rizal P20.2
4. Davao De Oro P20.09
5. Bukidnon P18.2
6. Surigao Del Norte P16.6
7. Negros Occidental P15.9
8. Leyte P13.5
9. Palawan (P13.036 billion)
10. Iloilo P13.034