The city government here for the second year on Wednesday was awarded by the National Competitive Council (NCC) as best in infrastructure development and number one in economic dynamism.

The city also ranked overall as second in the top competitive cities for 2019 under the component city category across the country.

Mayor Noel Rosal in an interview on Thursday said Legazpi has also been chosen as number six in government efficiency and number 11 in Resiliency.

Of the more than 1,000 competitors, Legazpi City emerged No.1 in infrastructure development and economic dynamism categories; No.6 in government efficiency; and No. 11 in the resiliency category.

Legazpi landed second overall as a competitive city, with Antipolo City as No.1 and Tagum City as No.3.

Rosal, the officers and members of the Makati Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), business organizations, and other local chief executives joined in the awarding ceremony via zoom during the 8th regional competitiveness summit on Wednesday.

The Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the NCC with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rosal said this prestigious award is a clear manifestation that Legazpi has performed well and proved it to the people, adding that “we are always working for the continuous progress and development of the city.”

“Placing top two competitive city is a big challenge for us but most importantly this kind of recognition will surely improve the investor’s confidence that can probably result to putting up of more business establishments in our city”, he added.

Rosal said this kind of award would give Legazpi City more encouragement, dedication, and drive to carry its investment-friendly projects that would continue to boost the economic standing of the city.

The Regional Competitiveness Council (RCC) is recognizing competitive local government units (LGU) excelling in the four pillars of economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure development, and resiliency which aims to inspire and encourage LGUs to attract investors in their localities to boost the local economy.

Legazpi City competitive standing jumped from number 3 in 2016, no. 5 in 2017, number 1 in 2018, and number 2 in 2019. (PNA)