By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City again demonstrated its competitiveness as it clinched numerous awards at the 7th Regional Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Awards, an event hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Western Visayas held on October 13, at the Grand Ballroom of Zuri Hotel Iloilo City.
Iloilo City emerged as the “Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City” (HUC) and the “Most Improved Highly Urbanized City,” which notably made a substantial leap, rising from its 7th position in 2022 to 4th place this year, marking an improvement of three ranks in national ranking among the 33 HUCs in the Philippines.
On top of the two awards, the city has also earned the top rankings, securing first place in all five economic pillars, namely Economic Dynamism, rising 4th place nationwide; Government Efficiency (2nd place); Resiliency (5th place), Infrastructure (9th place), and Innovation (4th place).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, represented by City Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Jay Treñas, expressed gratitude for these achievements. He emphasized that these awards reflect the collective dedication of the city’s residents and local government in creating a thriving and competitive urban center.
“This honor reflects our unwavering commitment and the tireless efforts we’ve dedicated to the vision of transforming Iloilo City into one of the most competitive cities in our nation,” Treñas said.
The award ceremony coincides with Local Government Month, as declared by Proclamation NO. 63 series of 1992 also recognized several other LGUs in the region for their remarkable accomplishments during the event. The notable awardees included:
Most Competitive Province: Aklan Province
Most Competitive Component City: Roxas City, Capiz
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Kalibo, Aklan
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Leganes, Iloilo
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Mina, Iloilo
Most Improved Component City: Cadiz, Negros Occidental (from 81st to 55th)
Most Improved 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Dumangas, Iloilo (from 238th to 134th)
Most Improved 3rd-4th Class Municipality: San Remigio, Antique (from 603rd to 202nd)
Most Improved 5th-6th Class Municipality: Batad, Iloilo (from 56th to 32nd)
In addition to the top awards, recognition was also extended to LGUs excelling in individual pillars of competitiveness:
Government Efficiency:
Most Competitive Component City: Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Malay, Aklan
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Leganes, Iloilo
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Mina, Iloilo
Economic Dynamism:
Most Competitive Component City: Passi City, Iloilo
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Kalibo, Aklan
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Jordan, Guimaras
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Mina, Iloilo
Infrastructure:
Most Competitive Component City: Roxas City, Capiz
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Malay, Aklan
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Cuartero, Capiz
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Batad, Iloilo
Resiliency:
Most Competitive Component City: Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Tigbauan, Iloilo
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Ivisan, Capiz
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Batad, Iloilo
Innovation:
Most Competitive Component City: Roxas City, Capiz
Most Competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality: Lambunao, Iloilo
Most Competitive 3rd-4th Class Municipality: Alimodian, Iloilo
Most Competitive 5th-6th Class Municipality: Mina, Iloilo
Special awards of being Top Intellectual Property Filers were also conferred to Pontavedra and Mambusao, Capiz.
In her message, Ermelinda P. Pollentes, OIC-Regional Director, DTI VI, expressed a call for greater regional competitiveness and a focus on digital enablement to create a more inclusive, progressive, and comfortable life for the people in Region VI.
Meanwhile, DTI Competitive Bureau Director Lilian Salonga commended the achievements of LGUs in raising the competitiveness of the Philippines and highlighted the value of CMCI in driving regional economic development and strategic planning.
The CMCI is an annual ranking of the Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the regional competitiveness committees with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It continues to empower cities and municipalities in assessing their competitiveness and enhancing local competitiveness strategically. Western Visayas fully embraced the initiative, with 133 LGUs from the region participating actively in the survey.
