By Lydia C. Pendon
ILOILO CITY, July 19 (PNA) -– The list of Top 10 Cities in the Philippines is headed by Iloilo City as recognized by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) for Government Efficiency ranking during the 3rd Regional Competitiveness Summit, Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) held July 16, 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Metro Manila.
City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog received the award of recognition by dedicating it to all cityhall workers, barangay officials and the people of Iloilo City who supported his dreams of a better and livable city for the present and future generations.
Iloilo City garnered a total score of 24.5161000 points, followed by Naga with 23.0313000 points, Cagayan de Oro with 22.5526000, Makati with 22.2737000, Davao with 21.7987000, Kidapawan with 21.7032000, Valenzuela with 21.4375000, Cebu with 21.0216000, Angeles with 20.8594000, and Balanga with 20.1988000.
The recent award also validated the early recognition of Iloilo City by the Department of Interior and Local Government as the yearly champion in Administrative Governance since 2011.
Mabilog said that Iloilo City is now considered as one of the major cities in Southeast Asia as major business players in Metro Manila, Asia and the Pacific have their presence felt in this southern city. Private business sector capital infusion is estimated to be more than P200 billion since five years ago that provides job generation, livelihood and showcases the Ilonggo pride.
NCC, a nongovernment organization, headed by businessman Guillermo Luz, former president of the Makati Business Club, is composed of top business leaders of the country, government officials and leaders of professional groups.
Aside from Government Efficiency, a total of 142 cities and 978 municipalities were also ranked in the index based on pillars of Economic Dynamism and Infrastructure using a total of 28 indicators.
This 2015, the NCC has introduced new award categories which include recognizing 3rd to 6th class municipalities, 1st to 2nd class municipalities, component cities and highly urbanized cities.(PNA)