Bacolod cited as W. Visayas’ most competitive, dynamic

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – This city was adjudged as the Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC) in Western Visayas in terms of Economic Dynamism and Infrastructure for 2019.

The awards were given by the Regional Competitiveness Council (RCC-6) and Department of Trade and Industry (DT-6) during its 3rd Recognition Ceremony for Competitive LGUs (Local Government Units) at Hotel del Rio in Iloilo City on Monday, a press release from the city government said.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran received the two awards from DTI-6 regional director Rebecca Rascon, who is also the chairperson of the RCC-6, on behalf of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

The press statement said the RCC assesses the competitiveness of LGUs using four pillars: Economic Dynamism, Infrastructure, Government Efficiency, and Resiliency.

Bacolod competed in the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) category.

Economic Dynamism refers to programs creating a stable expansion of business and industries and higher employment, the press release said.

For Infrastructure, the RCC assesses “the physical building blocks that connect, expand, and sustain a locality and its surroundings that enable seamless flow of goods and services.”

Familiaran was accompanied by LEIPO (Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer) – designate Jonah Javier in the recognition ceremony.

“This is indeed a blissful year for Bacolod City. We received numerous awards from different organizations,” Familiaran said.

Talking about the Competitive LGUs awards, Familiaran said the award “will encourage all LGUs to do better than our best” and “to go beyond what is expected of us.”

Aside from assessment, the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI) results are aimed to encourage LGUs to improve their operation systems and databases that will help track their level of competitiveness, he added.