Junjun Binay wants Makati back as most competitive city

MANILA, Philippines — Former Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. yesterday vowed to make the city reclaim the top spot in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) if he wins in the 2019 elections.

Makati ranked fifth on the list of highly urbanized cities in 2017.

This year, Makati dropped further to sixth as it was dislodged in the top five by Cagayan de Oro City.

“Makati has the resources and manpower to be the country’s most competitive city. Maintaining its top ranking is challenging given how the other cities are working hard to become competitive. But we have proven that it can be done,” Binay said in a statement.

Makati ranked first as the most competive city in 2014 and second in 2015 during Binay’s term.

Barangay Business Council chief Lysa Antonio said the success of Binay’s administration could be attributed to his willingness to sit down with the different sectors, including the business community.

The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development.

The NCC is co-chaired by Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez and former Makati Business Club executive director and Ayala Foundation chief operating officer Guillermo Luz.

Cities and municipalities are ranked based on economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure.