Angeles City, Pampanga — In a significant achievement, Angeles City has secured a spot in the top five of the “Most Improved Local Government Units (LGU)” category for highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). This recognition comes under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. and marks the third consecutive year the city has been nationally acknowledged for its improvements in governance and public service.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which oversees the annual CMCI, announced the results recently. The CMCI ranks cities and municipalities across the country based on various competitiveness factors, including economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resilience. Angeles City’s inclusion in the top five for 2024 highlights the significant strides it has made in these areas.
This year’s award is especially significant as it follows two previous accolades: in 2019, Angeles City was named the 2nd Most Improved HUC, and in 2022, it once again secured the 5th spot. These successive recognitions underscore the consistency and effectiveness of the local government’s initiatives to enhance public services and foster a sustainable and vibrant community.
Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the achievement reflects the tireless work of the city government in improving services and infrastructure for the people of Angeles. “We are honored to be recognized once again in the Top 10 for most improved cities, as this reflects the city government’s efforts in improving public services and a progressive community for Angeleños,” Lazatin said in a statement.
The official awarding ceremony for the 2024 CMCI will be held on November 11, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Clark Freeport Zone. The event is an annual gathering that highlights the progress and accomplishments of local governments across the nation, celebrating their contributions to economic development and community welfare.
The CMCI rankings are determined through a comprehensive evaluation process, which assesses cities and municipalities on multiple criteria such as infrastructure, business friendliness, quality of life, and the resilience of their local government systems. Angeles City’s success in these categories has placed it among the leading LGUs in the country.
The city government’s ongoing efforts to enhance its competitiveness have contributed significantly to the improved quality of life in Angeles. As part of its commitment to growth and development, the city continues to implement innovative programs that improve public services, attract investment, and empower the local community. This latest recognition is a testament to the city’s progress and its commitment to achieving sustainable development for future generations.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
