CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Camiguin ranks as the sixth-most competitive province in the Philippines, with Mambajao earning top honors in the national rankings during the 2024 Creative Cities and Municipalities Congress on August 23.
The event, which celebrates excellence in governance and development among local government units (LGUs), saw Rizal, Laguna, and Davao del Norte take the top three spots in this prestigious recognition. Camiguin is also the only island province to earn the award.
Mambajao, the capital of Camiguin, attracted significant attention as the second most competitive municipality in the 3rd to 4th class category. It placed just behind Can-Avid, Eastern Samar, and ahead of third-placed San Felipe, Zambales. This recognition highlights Mambajao’s commitment to progress and development under the supervision of Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo attributed these successes to “good governance, constant improvement and innovation in the delivery of services and execution of programs, and then unity and alignment among all LGUs and officials.” He emphasized that these are the driving forces behind Camiguin’s and Mambajao’s achievements.
Moreover, Mambajao excelled in several key categories during the congress. The municipality secured the 7th position in resilience, showcasing its ability to withstand and adapt to challenges, particularly in the face of natural disasters. It placed in the top 10 for government efficiency, showing its strong management and quality public service.
The municipality’s recognition as the 5th best in economic dynamism highlights its vibrant local economy and the LGU’s efforts to foster growth and prosperity. It placed in the top 10 for government efficiency, showing its strong management and quality public service.
Mayor Romualdo urged the people in Mambajao to continue working hard, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving such feats.
Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, undersecretary of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group, highlighted the importance of creativity in addressing the evolving challenges faced by cities and municipalities.
“By nurturing the creative qualities of our people, spaces, and policies, we can shape cities and municipalities that are not only prosperous but also vibrant, inclusive, and adaptive to the challenges of the future,” Aldaba said.
Director Lilian G. Salonga, head of the Bureau of Competitive Development and Officer-in-Charge of the Creative Industries Development Office, emphasized the role of competitiveness in building a creative nation.
“By excelling in economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation, local governments create environments where creativity can thrive. This not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also strengthens the Philippines’ position as a leading creative nation,” Salonga said.
She also encouraged all participants to engage in meaningful discussions and generate new ideas that would lead to a brighter and more creative future for the country.
Gov. Romualdo said Camiguin and Mambajao’s achievements in the 2024 Creative Cities and Municipalities Congress show their dedication to development and innovation, and he urged Camiguingnons to value such feats by continuously supporting the local government’s initiatives. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
