ILOILO – Faring well in four key areas – economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency – this province was hailed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as Western Visayas’ most competitive province.
“This reminds us that we compete but we really are not competing with each other. We don’t mean to compete; we just mean to excel,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. as he welcomed the citation during the 5th Regional Recognition Ceremony of Competitive Local Government Units (LGUs) on Dec. 20 at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Iloilo City.
He gave credit to provincial government employees, among others.
“Ipasa ko ang akon congratulations una sa mga department heads naton kag mga empleyado sa capitol kay trabaho man ini sang tanan, kag sa aton man nga mga mayors,” said Defensor.
Economic dynamism is associated with activities that create stable expansion of business and higher employment.
Government efficiency refers to the quality and reliability of government services such as a government free of corruption and enforces reasonable taxation.
LGUs are also assessed based on infrastructures that connect, expand, and sustain local economy to enable the provision of goods and services.
Resiliency means an LGU is capable of sustaining businesses and employment despite of shocks and stresses it encounters.
“We just want to beat our own limits. We want to exceed our present capacity so we can extend to our fellow LGUs,” said Defensor.
He underscored that the economies of Western Visayas are intertwined and that LGUs should collaborate to pursue better regional development./PN
