The province of Rizal has been recognized by the national government as the most competitive province in the country for seven straight years on Friday, Oct. 21.
Rizal was recognized during the 10th Cities and Municipalities Competitive Summit spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
"Pang 7th streak na po tayong nanalo as TOP 1 sa buong bansa dahil nakamit po nating muli ang pinakamataas na overall score base sa five pillars na itinakda ng Competitiveness Bureau ng DTI, namely: Economic Dynamism; Government Efficiency; Infrastructure; Resiliency; and Innovation (This is the 7th time the province won as the TOP 1 in the country because we have achieved the highest overall score based on the five pillars designated by the Competitiveness Bureau of the DTI, namely: Economic Dynamism; Government Efficiency; Infrastructure; Resiliency; and Innovation)," Rizal Governor Nina Ynares said.
"Kaya nais po nating pasalamatan ang lahat ng sumuporta, nagdasal, nagsikap at nakiisa sa ating pamahalaang panlalawigan para makamit po nating muli ang pinaka prestihiyosong recognition na ito sa bansa (We would like to thank all those who supported, prayed, persevered, and joined the provincial government to achieve this prestigious recognition)," she added.
The mayor also congratulated the city of Antipolo for being recognized as the Overall Most Competitive City during the summit, and the municipalities of Taytay and Cainta for bagging the Top 1 and Top 3 municipalities, respectively.
The summit uses the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) which is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs) with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The localities' index can be used in the following sectors:
Public Sector: The index can be used as a diagnostic tool by local government officials to assess the competitiveness of their city or municipality and identify areas for improvement and collaboration. Data can provide insight for policy making, development planning and investment promotion.
Private Sector: For the business community, the index can serve as a guide in deciding where to locate. Aside from the overall score, data on the different indicators will prove valuable depending on the specific needs of their business.
Academe: The index also paints a general picture of Philippine cities and municipalities which may be used by the academe, civil society and even tourists as a take-off point for further research.
Since the establishment of the CMCI in 2012 as a basis and measurement of competitiveness in the country in 2012, the number of participating LGUs have grown from 285 in 2013 to 1,389 in 2016.