Pampanga Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) cited the cities of Angeles and San Fernando for their exemplary performance in the 2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
PMSMEDC Business Enabling Environment Project Management Team Co-Chair and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio said the awards received by the two cities are manifestations of making doing business easier and promoting the development of small entrepreneurs, which are also among the council’s objectives.
In separate resolutions, the council recognized Angeles City for ranking fifth among the Most Improved Highly Urbanized Cities in the country; while the City of San Fernando for placing 6th in Overall Competitiveness among component cities; 5th in Infrastructure, and 8th in Government Efficiency.
“These resolutions are the PMSMEDC’s response to the National MSMED Council Strategic Goal 1 on improved business climate or government mindset which aims to simplify, standardize, and harmonize MSME related rules and regulations at local and national levels to encourage MSMEs to tap the opportunities in macro-economic policy, infrastructure development, trade deals, etc.,” Ordonio said.
She added that the council hopes the citations will encourage other local government units to ramp up their competitiveness efforts in preparation for the next cycle of CMCI so that the province will produce more awardees.
“Though this, we hope that more LGUs will be motivated to ensure efficient business registration processes, compliance to Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) standards, and presence of investments promotion units, which are some of the indicators of the index,” the DTI official said.
For his part, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. thanked the PMSMEDC for recognizing the city government in its efforts towards ease of doing business and countryside development.
“Just like the objectives of the council, our administration will continue to uplift the city’s MSMEs. Part of our priority programs is to give local entrepreneurs full support to further introduce their products not just nationwide but worldwide,” Lazatin said.
CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities based on a list of competitiveness indicators on four pillars including economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency geared towards sustainable competitiveness. (CLJD/MJSC/PIA 3)