TMAP Revives Visayas Chapter, Unites Business and Tax Leaders at September GMM in Cebu

Relaunched chapter marks a renewed commitment to regional engagement, policy dialogue, and professional collaboration in the Visayas

The Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP) marked a historic milestone on September 24, 2026 with the formal relaunch of the TMAP Visayas Chapter during its September General Membership Meeting (GMM) held at Seda Ayala Center Cebu. Conducted in a hybrid format, the event brought together TMAP members, government officials, business leaders, and tax professionals from across the country in a celebration of renewed regional engagement and collaboration.

After more than a decade, the return of the TMAP Visayas Chapter reaffirms the Association's commitment to strengthening its presence beyond Metro Manila and ensuring that the perspectives of stakeholders in the Visayas continue to contribute to discussions on taxation, governance, investment, and economic development.

The event opened with remarks from Atty. Michael P. Garcia, Partner at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles Law Offices, who underscored the importance of revitalizing TMAP's presence in the region and fostering stronger connections among tax professionals, business leaders, and government stakeholders in the Visayas.

TMAP President Atty. Martin Ignacio D. Mijares delivered the President's Report, sharing updates on the Association's accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and strategic priorities. He likewise highlighted TMAP's continuing efforts to advance professional excellence, strengthen tax advocacy, and promote collaboration among stakeholders in support of a transparent, accountable, and future-ready tax environment.

The September GMM was anchored on the theme, “The Visayas Economy in Focus: Business Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Outlook,” providing members with valuable perspectives on the economic landscape of the Visayas and the opportunities and challenges shaping its future. The event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue among regulators, industry leaders, and tax practitioners on key developments influencing the region's growth and competitiveness.

A key highlight of the program was the series of presentations from distinguished government officials and industry leaders who provided insights on the evolving regulatory and business landscape in the Visayas.

Featured speakers were Atty. Jesher M. Radaza, Officer-in-Charge of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Cebu Extension Office; Mr. Darwin John “DJ” Moises, Vice President for Partnerships, Engagement & Governance of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI); Atty. Jose Hector M. Baronda, Assistant Regional Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 13 – Central Visayas; and Engr. Jhovs R. Medico, Deputy Zone Administrator of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Mactan Economic Zone and Cluster 2. Their presentations provided members with valuable perspectives on business competitiveness, corporate regulation, tax administration, investment promotion, challenges in doing business, and opportunities driving economic growth across the Visayas.

Beyond the technical discussions, the relaunch provided an opportunity to reconnect members across the Visayas, welcome new professionals into the organization, and strengthen relationships among TMAP's partners in government, industry, and the tax profession. The gathering reflected the shared commitment of stakeholders to contribute to sound tax policy, good governance, and sustainable economic development.

The successful relaunch of the TMAP Visayas Chapter signals a new and exciting chapter for the Association. By expanding its regional footprint and fostering greater engagement among members and stakeholders in the Visayas, TMAP continues to reinforce its role as the country's premier organization of tax professionals and business leaders dedicated to promoting excellence in tax management and responsible tax advocacy.

As TMAP looks ahead, the revitalized Visayas Chapter is poised to serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and thought leadership, further strengthening the Association's mission of advancing the tax profession and contributing to nation-building across the Philippines.