Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte received more than ₱14 billion in tobacco excise tax shares from the ₱21-billion allocation for eligible local government units based on 2024 collections, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Ilocos Sur secured the largest share at ₱11.6 billion, followed by Ilocos Norte with ₱2.5 billion, while Abra and La Union received ₱2 billion and ₱964.1 million, respectively.
The allocations cover taxes collected from Virginia, burley, and native tobacco products under existing laws.
The DBM encouraged beneficiary local governments to allocate at least 25 percent of their shares to livelihood programs, cooperative projects, and financial assistance for registered tobacco farmers.
LGUs are also required to consult tobacco growers before spending the funds and regularly publish financial reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 14, 2026
