BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. received the Youth Leadership Role Award during the Rotary Club of Makati's 58th Charter Anniversary at the Manila Polo Club earlier this month.

At the Paing Hechanova Youth Leadership Awards Night, the BIR commissioner was recognized for his "outstanding leadership" and "pivotal role in driving the agency to unprecedented success in tax revenues."

BIR Commissioner Romeo 'Jun' Lumagui Jr. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

"Under his leadership, the BIR has implemented proactive strategies and campaigns against tax evaders, resulting in impressive revenue growth for the government," the Rotary Club said.

During the ceremony, Lumagui was presented as a role model for Filipino youth leaders to emulate.

Lumagui, in his acceptance speech, cited the Rotary's Four Way Test, which he applied since joining the club in 2014, marking his 10th year with the organization.

"Whether in public service or in private practice, the youth can always have a lasting impact on society. I am grateful that my service as the commissioner of the BIR shows that the youth can handle and improve public institutions, much like how our national heroes, during their youth, started and won a revolution," he said.

Lumagui's programs since becoming BIR commissioner in November 2022 included the Run After Fake Transactions program. Under his leadership, the BIR also conducted nationwide raids on tax evaders and achieved ISO certifications.

Earlier this year, he was recognized as Asia's Influential Leader for Good Governance and was given the Business Enabler Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Quezon City in January. He also won the Man of the Year award at the Asia Leaders Awards in November and the Rising Tiger & National Builder Award from the Rising Tigers magazine.