The City of Manila was recognized as the 2nd Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in the country by the National Competitiveness Council, which was bagged by Quezon City.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said this showed the officials and local leaders of the city government displayed resolve and commitment to keep Manila the premier city once again.
“Although we fell short of our goal to be back as the top most Competitive Highly Urbanized City last year, I thank my department heads, the city councilors and all city government employees for a job well done. We will do better next year,” Estrada said in a message.
A city’s competitiveness was measured using three indicators: Economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure.
Quezon City was able to maintain its claim as the Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City, having received the citation last year.
Manila ranked second in the category of Highly Urbanized Cities, followed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s home city, Davao.
While Estrada said he was satisfied with the result, he vowed to make improvements and regain the glory of Manila.
“There are still many other challenges we face. Among them are the problems of garbage, traffic and illegal vendors,” Estrada said.
However, he assured he would not stop working to address the big problem faced by the city.
He congratulated Quezon City, Davao City, Pasay City, San Juan City and all other winners and awardees.
“I know what it takes to be the best and to be the first,” he added. Manila was first overall in 2016, 2nd in 2017 and 2nd this year.