BAGUIO CITY — Property owners in Baguio City may soon receive tax incentives for incorporating green spaces into their buildings. The local government is considering a proposal that would offer up to a 20 percent discount on real property taxes for those who transform their rooftops and walls into environmentally friendly areas. This initiative is aimed at reducing urban heat, enhancing air quality, and contributing to global warming mitigation.
According to Philippines News Agency, authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot and approved in its first reading on Monday, the discount on real property taxes would be based on the proportion of the building's surface dedicated to green spaces. Specifically, property owners who convert 25 percent of their roof or wall area into green spaces would receive a 5 percent discount. This discount increases incrementally, with a full 100 percent conversion resulting in a 20 percent tax reduction. The tax incentives would be available for a period of ten years.
The ordinance outlines that the installation of green roofs and walls are crucial strategies for achieving the benefits of environmentally sustainable buildings. These include not only reducing urban heat and noise but also improving energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Councilor Yangot emphasized the broader goal of promoting ecosystem preservation and pollution control through these initiatives. He highlighted the city’s commitment to fighting global warming and protecting community health as part of this effort.