(Screenshot from Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Summit)
MANILA – For the first time, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has recognized the most competitive local government units (LGUs) in the region during the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Summit held on Friday.
Under the CMCI, the government ranks LGUs’ competitiveness based on four pillars—infrastructure, resiliency, government efficiency, and economic dynamism.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic nationwide and the series of calamities happening in the region, BARMM LGUs have shown excellence and proven their resilience,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said during the virtual summit.
Lopez has also welcomed BARMM’s participation in the CMCI that will help in strengthening national competitiveness through a whole-of-government approach.
Lamitan City, Basilan was hailed as the most competitive component city in BARMM after bagging the top awards for infrastructure, resiliency, government efficiency, and economic dynamism pillars.
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur was awarded as the second most competitive component city in Bangsamoro.
The most competitive municipalities in BARMM include Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao under Class 1-2 municipalities; Buldon, Maguindanao among Class 3-4 municipalities; and Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao among Class 5-6 municipalities.
In terms of economic dynamism, the top LGUs are Jolo, Sulu for Class 1-2 municipalities; General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao for Class 3-4 municipalities; and Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao for Class 5-6 municipalities.
Jolo, Sulu also bagged the award for the most efficient local government among BARMM’s Class 1-2 municipalities; Buldon, Maguindanao among Class 3-4 municipalities; and Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao among Class 5-6 municipalities.
In the resiliency pillar, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao is the most competitive among Class 1-2 municipalities; General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao among Class 3-4 municipalities; and Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao among Class 5-6 municipalities.
Municipalities that are most competitive in the infrastructure pillar are Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao for Class 1-2; Piagapo, Lanao del Sur for Class 3-4; and Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao for Class 5-6.
“We must keep in mind that the CMCI is more than just giving out trophies and awards. This index also serves as an encouragement and a reminder for LGUs to continually strive to do better,” Lopez said.
The Trade chief added that the LGU’s competitiveness reflects on how businesses thrive in their local environment.
He cited that business name registration in BARMM in the first quarter of 2021 surged by 300 percent, signaling that the BARMM's economy is starting to boom.
“Creating competitive BARMM LGUs will push for greater inclusive growth and employment generation in the region,” Lopez said. (PNA)
