March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – Amidst socio-demographic challenges, Malibcong stands tall as it took home two awards during the 10th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).

It was ranked third for innovation and fifth for Most Improved among 5th to 6th class municipalities nationwide.

Malibcong Mayor Rhea M. Bacuyag and Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera OIC Director Juliet P. Lucas received the award at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

 Malibcong is the only local government unit out of the 27 towns of the province to get recognition in the CMCI.

Bacuyag said it is a great honor for the LGU to be awarded in such nationwide recognition despite the socio-demographic challenges of the town.

The overall competitiveness score is the sum of scores on three main pillars which pool data from several sub-indicators.

The five pillars are economic dynamism, government efficiency, resiliency, innovation, and infrastructure.

Scores are determined by the values of the actual data, as well as the completeness of the submitted data.

The higher the score of a city or municipality, the more competitive it is.

“Under the innovation pillar, Malibcong is ranked number three after we garnered a total score of 7.47. It was a result of the LGU’s initiative to implement innovative services such as online payment facilities,” the mayor said.

There is difficulty of telecommunication network in the town. However, the LGU has an up-to-date website and social media accounts.

 “We have really allotted a high budget not only in innovative financing but also in the other pillars,” Bacuyag said.

She emphasized the need to further improve their efforts on the infrastructure pillar because of the need for more facilities in every barangay, especially unpaved roads.

“We are hoping this CMCI would help us find partners and stakeholders for us to become better in the years to come,” Bacuyag said.

The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. – Christian Allister Tubadeza