Candelaria clinches top spot in Quezon Province's competitiveness race

By Rowena Cruz Candelaria Municipal Hall CANDELARIA, Quezon - Candelaria has climbed to the top spot in Quezon Province's 2024 Citie...

By Rowena Cruz

Candelaria Municipal Hall

CANDELARIA, Quezon - Candelaria has climbed to the top spot in Quezon Province's 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), solidifying its position as a rising economic powerhouse. The announcement made earlier this week  by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), highlights Candelaria's exceptional performance in fostering a business-friendly environment, providing efficient public services, and maintaining robust infrastructure.

The CMCI, a yearly barometer of local government performance, evaluates municipalities based on five pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation. Each pillar is composed of several indicators, carefully selected to provide a comprehensive assessment of a municipality's overall competitiveness. Candelaria's top ranking reflects its success across all these crucial areas, particularly excelling in Economic Dynamism and Government Efficiency, key indicators of a thriving and well-managed municipality.



This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the stiff competition in Quezon Province, which boasts several rapidly developing municipalities. Candelaria's success serves as an inspiration to other LGUs in the province and across the country.

"We are incredibly proud of this achievement," said Candelaria Mayor George "Ogie" Suayan. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community. We have worked tirelessly to create an environment where businesses can thrive, and our residents can enjoy a high quality of life. This recognition is a validation of our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for excellence."

The Mayor added, "We remain committed to providing the best possible public service to our constituents. This award is not just an accolade; it's a responsibility to continue improving and innovating for the benefit of all Candelarians."

More detailed insights into CMCI performance are expected in the coming days from the DTI, which will shed light on the specific strategies and initiatives that contributed to their success. DTi said towns that perform well in the CMCI are not only recognized for their economic performance but also for their efforts in promoting good governance, transparency, and innovation.

According to DTI, this recognition will not only boost the local economy but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the country , showcasing the potential for other municipalities to follow suit. They believe that the CMCI serves as a valuable tool for benchmarking and driving continuous improvement in local governance and economic development.