DILG cites Cebu City as one of Philippine’s10 competitive cities

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City is among the 10 most competitive cities cited by the Department of Interior and Local Government for doing reforms to attract local and international investments.

"These LGUs (local government units) are now receiving the benefits of easing transactions for business like increased business registrants and more revenues," said DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno in a statement yesterday.

LGU awardees include Cebu City, and cities of Quezon, Manila, Makati, Pasig, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Caloocan and Muntinlupa.

"We hope that the strong growth of the Philippine economy can be further sustained by the continuous effort of our LGUs to improve the business climate for investments in their localities," Sueno said.

The DILG official noted that LGUs play a crucial role in influencing investment decisions, business retention and growth, and impact in infrastructure development. And they must provide a favorable business climate to encourage investors.

"Improving the governance landscape of an LGU would serve as a strong platform for them to become sparkplugs for local economic development," he said. 

The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index is an annual ranking developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees with the support of United States Agency for International Development and Globe Telecom which recognizes the crucial role of LGUs in promoting competitiveness in the country.

 DILG, with other agencies and private sector partners, has been pushing for local economic development through its Business-Friendly and Competitive LGUs (BFCL) Program.

 Through BFCL the DILG is set to: update and approve the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) or Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) or sector plans to guide location and focus of investments; structure leading local economic investment and incentive promotion; issue local policies and ordinances for business and investment attraction and retention consistent with national investment policies; streamline transactions; create LGU Roadmap to attract investments and generate employment; and have an active partnership with business sector; among others.

Sueno said LGUs must look for ways to streamline processes to make starting a business easier. (FREEMAN)