The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognized a total of 14 local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon that made it in the top 10 of the national ranks in the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
DTI OIC-Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan said CMCI primarily aims to contribute to the growth and success of local economies.
“By measuring and assessing various factors that determine competitiveness, our local government units (LGUs) are able to facilitate effective policy making and highlight areas for improvement. They are able to identify what needs to be strengthened, including the improvement of goods and services, and more efficient processes, cutting the cost and time, or buy and spend for government transactions,” he explained.
Simangan emphasized that cities and municipalities that demonstrate a convenient and seamless service to the clients will be attractive to investors, which provides creation of vibrant ecosystem where creative industries can flourish, attracting investments, stimulating cultural tourism, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
For her part, DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut said the CMCI is an important tool that encourages healthy competition among LGUs, pushing each other to achieve higher standards in governance and service delivery.
“Your efforts in improving business environments, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering innovation not only uplift your community, but also contribute to the overall progress of our country,” she pressed.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Local Government Capability Development Division Chief Lee Allen Pineda congratulated the winners and vowed that the agency will continue to champion good governance, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness principles essential to achieving a more competitive and creative Central Luzon.
“Your dedication, innovation, and tireless efforts are truly inspiring, and your achievements serve as a model for others to follow,” he said to the LGU awardees.
San Felipe town in Zambales which ranked third in terms of overall competitiveness, and innovation; and 4th in resiliency under the 3rd to 4th class municipalities category.
Also, Baler town in Aurora ranked fourth in terms of overall competitiveness, and infrastructure under the 3rd to 4th class municipalities in the country. It also ranked 7th in terms of economic dynamism.
Pura in Tarlac ranked 6th in resiliency; while Abucay, Bataan ranked 10th in innovation under the same category.
For the 1st to 2nd class municipalities category, Capas in Tarlac bested other municipalities for being the most improved; Limay in Bataan garnered 4th place in government efficiency; while Sta. Maria in Bulacan and Subic in Zambales ranked 10th in economic dynamism and most improved municipalities, respectively.
City of San Fernando in Pampanga ranked 5th in innovation; 8th in infrastructure, and economic dynamism; and 9th in government efficiency under the component cities category.
Tarlac City ranked 4th in terms of innovation; San Jose del Monte ranked 8th in terms of resiliency; and Balanga City ranked 10th in government efficiency.
Meanwhile, Angeles City was adjudged as 5th most improved highly urbanized city; while Bataan placed 10th nationwide among most competitive provinces.
CMCI is a set of indicators which serves as a guide or reference for each city and municipality to determine their level of productivity and competitiveness to propel economic activity.
All participating LGUs were assessed based on five pillars namely economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resilience, and innovation.
CMCI is developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA Region 3, Pampanga)