San Fernando City, Pampanga — Recognized for their excellence in good governance, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness, Bataan province, Balanga City, Limay, and Abucay were named among the 14 most competitive local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) disclosed this on Friday, noting that these LGUs made it to the top 10 of the national rankings in the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).

The CMCI assesses LGUs based on five pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resilience, and innovation.

A consistent recipient of regional and national awards, Bataan is led by Governor Joet S. Garcia. Balanga is under Mayor Francis Garcia, now serving his third term, while Limay was led by Mayor Nelson David, who passed away early Friday after a lingering illness. Abucay is headed by Mayor Robin Tagle.

The CMCI is developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

DTI OIC-Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan said the CMCI is designed to foster local economic growth by identifying areas for improvement and facilitating effective policymaking.

“By measuring and assessing various factors that determine competitiveness, our LGUs can enhance goods and services, streamline processes, and create investor-friendly environments,” Simangan explained.

He added that seamless services by LGUs attract investors, fostering vibrant ecosystems where industries can thrive, boosting cultural tourism, and improving the overall quality of life.

DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut highlighted that the CMCI encourages healthy competition among LGUs. “Your efforts in improving business environments, infrastructure, and fostering innovation uplift your communities and contribute to national progress,” she said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Local Government Capability Development Division Chief Lee Allen Pineda also commended the winners. “Your dedication, innovation, and tireless efforts are truly inspiring, serving as a model for others to follow,” he said.

Other LGUs in Central Luzon also received national recognition:

• San Felipe, Zambales ranked 3rd in overall competitiveness and innovation and 4th in resiliency (3rd-4th class municipalities).

• Baler, Aurora ranked 4th in overall competitiveness and infrastructure and 7th in economic dynamism (3rd-4th class municipalities).

• Pura, Tarlac ranked 6th in resiliency.

• Abucay, Bataan ranked 10th in innovation.

For 1st-2nd class municipalities:

• Capas, Tarlac was named the most improved.

• Limay, Bataan placed 4th in government efficiency.

• Sta. Maria, Bulacan, and Subic, Zambales ranked 10th in economic dynamism and as most improved municipalities, respectively.

Other notable rankings:

• City of San Fernando, Pampanga ranked 5th in innovation, 8th in infrastructure and economic dynamism, and 9th in government efficiency (component cities).

• Tarlac City placed 4th in innovation.

• San Jose del Monte ranked 8th in resiliency.

• Balanga City ranked 10th in government efficiency.

• Angeles City was named the 5th most improved highly urbanized city.

• Bataan Province ranked 10th nationwide among the most competitive provinces.

The CMCI serves as a reference for LGUs to assess their productivity and competitiveness, helping to propel economic activity and drive local and national progress.