The provincial government of Albay is targeting to not only maintain but improve its ranking in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), in a bid to further enhance its appeal to potential investors.
In a debriefing session held on January 31 in Malilipot, Albay, the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), alongside CMCI Focal Persons and partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), reviewed the province’s performance to identify areas for improvement.
The CMCI measures local government performance across five key pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation.
Jaymee Florence Ribaya, LEDIPO officer, emphasized the importance of CMCI rankings for Albay.
“LEDIPO yung may task to comply with business friendliness and competitiveness governance indicator doon sa seal of good local governance. Hindi papasa ang isang province o ang isang LGU kapag hindi pasok sa top 20 na top performers ng CMCI ” Ribaya said.
Albay’s improved ranking in the 2024 CMCI is seen as a positive indicator of the province’s growing competitiveness. As Ribaya noted, a high CMCI score signals efficient governance and a welcoming environment for investors.
“Pag ikaw mataas ang ranking mo sa CMCI and nandun ka sa top ibig sabihin maganda na puntahan ng mga investors yung lugar mo kase ready na,” Ribaya stated.
To further elevate the province’s standing, the local government is taking steps such as debriefing sessions to address gaps and areas for improvement.
The upcoming retooling sessions with DTI officers in Manila aim to enhance data collection and system inputs, ensuring that accurate and timely information is submitted.
One of the main challenges, however, remains data collection. Ribaya urged local offices and agencies to cooperate in providing the necessary information, stressing the importance of transparency in fostering growth.
In the coming months, LEDIPO plans to engage local chief executives, including mayors, to sign a pledge of commitment to support the province’s CMCI goals. This initiative, similar to efforts two years ago, is expected to further strengthen Albay’s competitive stance. I Jeric Lopez