ILOILO City – Mayor Jose Espinosa III has boasted the achievements of the city, including the recognition as the “most improved” highly urbanized city in the Philippines.
This and many other feats make the city attractive to businesses, the local chief executive said in a speech as the city celebrated its 81st Charter Day on Saturday.
A foot parade and a street dancing competition among city hall offices, national government agencies, private sector, and nongovernment agencies were among yesterday’s activities.
Espinosa said Iloilo’s declaration as a chartered city marked the beginning of its development.
Iloilo City received the “most improved” recognition during the 6th Regional Competitiveness Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center on Aug. 16.
It ranked 11th this year in overall competitiveness among 33 highly urbanized cities in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.
Last year its ranking dropped to 32nd – all the way from sixth in 2016.
This year Iloilo City also ranked fourth in government efficiency and 11th in economic dynamism and resiliency.
Last year it ranked 32nd in government efficiency, 17th in economic dynamism, 31st in resiliency and 27th in infrastructure.
Espinosa also said the Iloilo River initiative – the city’s entry to the Galing Pook Awards, which recognizes innovative practices by local government units – was in the list of finalists.
The city is also a finalist for the National Literacy Award of the Department of Education and the Seal of Good Local Governance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“Ngaa ginasugid ko ini tanan? Ini bangod amo ini ang indicators nga ginapangita sang gusto magkadto diri nga investor para mag-invest,” Espinosa told the audience in front of the city hall.
He also thanked various sectors and the press that helped boost the image and reputation of the city.
“Sa tanan nga sektor kag mga katapo sang media, daku gid ang inyo nabulig sa pag-promote sa syudad,” he said. “Ginabuligan ninyo patahom ang reputasyon sang syudad all over the world and the Philippines.”
The monthlong Charter Day celebration had the theme, “Pag-ulikid kag Pagtib-ong: Fostering Local Communities by Strengthening Global Connections.”/PN
Iloilo City is one among the best developed an improved City in the Philippines today leading to progress and improved lives of it’s Citizens living in the City! Because of these developments in it’s infrastructures, it offers Foreign Investors all over the World to come to Iloilo and share investments returns on their investments!