LIBERTAD, Antique – This town was feted as the “most improved” in Region 6 during the 5th Western Visayas Competitive LGUs (local government units) recognition ceremony on Dec. 20 in Iloilo City.
“Ginkilala ruman ang aton nga pinalangga nga banwa,” said Mayor Mary Jean Te.
Two representatives of the Libertad LGU received the award during the program – Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer (LEIPO) GLea Lou An Loriega-Nicopior and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Robert Nicopior.
The 5th Western Visayas Competitive LGUs was initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Libertad was also cited for its economic dynamism (ranked 2) and government dynamism (ranked 2).
The search for Western Visayas Competitive LGUs evaluated local governments in four areas:
* economic dynamism – 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
* infrastructure – they must connect, expand, and sustain the local economy to enable the provision of goods and services
* resiliency – LGU is capable of sustaining businesses and employment despite of shocks and stresses it encounters.
Mayor Te said Libertad’s award would encourage the municipal government to further improve its performance.
“Nagapati ako nga mas duro pa ang aton maabot kag maangkon sa aton aktibo nga pagpartisipar, pag-ugyunay, kag pagbuligay,” said Te.
According to the 2020 census, Libertad had a population of 17,507 people, making it the 17th most populous municipality in Antique.
Libertad is the northernmost municipality of the province and is 150 kilometers from the provincial capital, San Jose de Buenavista./PN
