DTI Honors LGUs, Creative Industry at Regional Awards

The Department of Trade and Industry Region VI hosted a landmark event today, November 4, 2024, celebrating excellence in local governance and the creative industries at the Iloilo Convention Center.

The morning session featured the Western Visayas Creativity Forum, where Jo-Dann N. Darong, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Competitive Development, delivered a presentation on the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act. The forum showcased successful initiatives, including the 2023 Lunsod Lunsad project beneficiaries and Iloilo City’s achievement as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The event also launched Fiesta Haraya, a month-long celebration of Ilonggo creativity, which will culminate in Regional Fashion Week later in November.

In her opening message, DTI Region VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable commended the commitment of all 133 participating local government units (LGUs) in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) survey. She highlighted how regional collaboration strengthens local competitiveness and fosters sustainable development across Western Visayas. This full participation rate underscores the region’s dedication to excellence.

Outstanding LGUs were recognized for achievements across multiple categories. Guimaras was awarded Most Competitive Province, while Iloilo City retained its title as the Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City. The Overall Most Competitive awards also recognized Roxas City as the top component city, Kalibo, Aklan in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, Leganes, Iloilo in the 3rd-4th class category, and San Lorenzo, Guimaras in the 5th-6th class municipalities.

Under the economic dynamism pillar, Iloilo City led the highly urbanized cities, with Roxas City, Capiz topping component cities. Kalibo, Aklan demonstrated strength among 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Jordan, Guimaras and San Lorenzo, Guimaras led in the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th class categories, respectively.

In government efficiency, Iloilo City and Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, excelled in their respective city categories. Kalibo, Aklan continued its strong showing in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Leganes, Iloilo, and Mina, Iloilo, set standards in the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th class municipal categories.

For infrastructure, Iloilo City and Sagay City, Negros Occidental led their respective city categories. Malay, Aklan performed best among 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Jordan, Guimaras and San Lorenzo, Guimaras led in their municipal classes.

The resiliency pillar saw Iloilo City and Sagay City, Negros Occidental, maintain leadership among cities. Tigbauan, Iloilo showed resilience among 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Concepcion, Iloilo and Buruanga, Aklan led in the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th class municipalities, respectively.

In innovation, Iloilo City and Roxas City, Capiz led the city classifications. Tigbauan, Iloilo demonstrated innovative practices in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Leganes, Iloilo and Belison, Antique led in their municipal classes.

The ceremony also recognized the most improved LGUs. Kabankalan City, Victorias City, and Escalante City from Negros Occidental shared the honors among component cities. In the municipalities, Janiuay, Iloilo showed the most improvement in the 1st-2nd class category, with Barotac Viejo, Iloilo and Libertad, Antique leading in the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th class categories.

A special award went to Mambusao, Iloilo, recognized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines as the top intellectual property filer with the highest number of IP applications and approved registrations.

The event closed with a presentation by the Provincial Government of Guimaras, which shared strategies and initiatives that helped them achieve Most Improved Province status this year.

This integration of creative industry development with local governance competitiveness underscores Western Visayas’ commitment to holistic regional advancement.