DAVAO CITY – Davao City has emerged as the most competitive highly urbanized city in Visayas and Mindanao in terms of economic dynamism and infrastructure, according to the recent Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Ranking.
The CMCI, an annual competition conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), measures the competitiveness of cities and municipalities based on five indicators: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resilience, and innovation.
Davao City ranked first in economic dynamism, earning the highest score of 7.5468, and also topped the list in infrastructure with a score of 8.4445. This achievement marks a significant increase from its 2023 ranking, where the city placed seventh with a score of 49.08. In 2024, Davao City’s score improved to 49.83, solidifying its position among the most competitive cities in the country.
Christian Cambaya, Head of the Investors Assistance and Servicing Unit at the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC), attributed the city’s improved performance to the increased number of business establishments. The city government’s initiatives to simplify the business process, including automated permit applications, have made it easier for businesses to set up operations in Davao City.
Additionally, the city government’s investments in infrastructure, such as ports, basic utilities, health, and education facilities, have contributed significantly to its overall competitiveness.
The ranking reflects the continuous efforts of the city government to promote growth and development in Davao City. The city also excelled in other areas, including Information Communication Technology (ICT), Land Use Planning, Disaster Risk Reduction, and compliance with national directives.