BAGUIO CITY – The city’s improved standing in the latest Cities and Municipalities Local Economic Development Competitiveness Survey is a fitting gift to Baguio City on its 108th charter anniversary.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the city’s improved competitiveness proved that it is continually moving towards excellence in various fields which is highlighted in this year’s Baguio Day chosen theme, “Baguio at 108: Land of Champions.”
“This shows that not only did we produce a lot of champions in various fields nationally and even internationally but we also did well in the aspects of governance and infrastructure and economic development,” the mayor said.
Economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure were the three criteria of the national survey being conducted annually by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).
In the latest survey, the city placed 13th moving two notches higher from its 15th place finish in the previous survey among 145 cities in the country. It also improved its ranking in its category as a highly urbanized city from the previous 14th place to 11th among 33 highly urbanized cities.
The mayor attributed the city’s accomplishments to both the public and the private sectors whose teamwork and cooperation he said continued to make the city’s success possible.
Another thing to be thankful for in this year’s Baguio Day celebration is the fact that the city has remained debt-free and has continued to manage on the revenues it produces without depending on loans and grants.
“To me being able to operate on our own and without debt is an indicator that we are managing our resources properly,” he said.
He said he will continue with his debt-free fiscal policy until he finishes his term as city executive.
To implement major and priority projects in the pipeline, the mayor said the city will pursue the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode of development even if it takes time because it entails a long process.
“This Baguio Day celebration, let us move on and continue to work together to improve our city that we love so much,” the mayor said, “If we work together and if we don’t allow problems to destroy our teamwork, we will sustain the mission and vision we have for our city.”
The month-long calendar of Baguio Day celebration activities was launched last Monday at City Hall.
Councilor Elmer Datuin who co-chairs the celebration executive committee paid tribute to the city’s builders of old and of present during the launching program.
“Clearly the task is not just to continue where our builders and champions have left of. We have to work even harder towards a Baguio that continues to produce excellent achievers in our time… This is the gift that comes from remembrance today – to be always on the side of our people in championing their welfare,” he said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
