Guimaras Cooperatives Enhance Tax Compliance Through BIR Education Forum
Twenty-two cooperatives from across the province of Guimaras participated in the Guimaras Tax Education Forum held on August 25, 2026, at the GTIC Function Hall, Provincial Capitol Grounds, Jordan, Guimaras. The activity brought together 36 cooperative representatives and compliance officers to deepen their understanding of tax obligations, regulatory requirements, and compliance matters affecting their operations. This forum is the second leg of the Western Visayas Cooperatives Chamber’s Tax Education Forum Caravan, conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Economic Development Office and in collaboration with the Guimaras union Cooperative (GUC).
The initiative aims to equip cooperatives, especially micro and small, with practical knowledge and guidance to navigate tax requirements, address compliance concerns, better protect their tax-exempt status, and improve organizational practices.
Resource speakers from the BIR Legal Office and Revenue District Office 74 provided comprehensive discussions on key tax concerns confronting cooperatives. Among the topics tackled were the application and renewal of the Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE), documentary and compliance requirements, common issues affecting tax-exempt status, BIR registration, individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) requirements, Top Withholding Agent (TWA) selection and obligations, as well as recent Revenue Memorandum Orders and Regulations relevant to cooperatives. An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise specific concerns and seek clarification directly from the BIR, with many questions centered on ensuring a more efficient and proper CTE application and renewal process.
Coop Chamber Secretary General Edwin A. Bustillos presented the policy recommendations gathered from the 16 Regional Assemblies, which were transmitted to the BIR for review and consideration.
The Provincial Economic Development Office (PEDO) ensures the active participation and support of Guimaras cooperatives by coordinating with the Union on the registration of cooperative representatives, venue and setup arrangements, on-the-day workshop assistance, and facilitation of their logistical needs to ensure the successful implementation of the activity.
Like and follow us on Facebook: Provincial Economic Development Office – Guimaras for more updates.
