Sugbo News - DTI CANCELS COMPETITIVENESS INDEX PROGRAM’

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially announced the cancellation of its “Competitiveness Index Program” which was previously used to evaluate local government units across the country.

DTI CANCELS COMPETITIVENESS INDEX PROGRAM’

Dec. 10, 2024

In a letter addressed to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia dated December 9, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque acknowledged the Governor’s insights and emphasized the need to develop a more relevant and responsive assessment framework that aligns with the current mandates of LGUs.

“We recognize Cebu’s innovative programs that have significantly contributed to our country’s robust economic growth and development. With a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding PHP1 trillion in 2023, Cebu demonstrates how effective local governance is key to transformative growth,” Sec. Roque said in the letter.

Earlier, Gov. Garcia questioned DTI’s evaluation system, especially that it ranks LGU competitiveness according to its five pillars, namely: economic dynamism, infrastructure, government efficiency, resiliency, and innovation.

Gov. Garcia told DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Philip Sawali and DTI regional director Maria Elena C. Arbon in a meeting that the agency, through the said competitiveness index, is overreaching beyond its mandate and is dangerously encroaching on the spheres of other agencies, such as the mandate of DOF for its economic dynamism criterion; DPWH for infrastructure evaluation; DILG and COA for government efficiency; DILG for resiliency; and the DOST for innovation, among various other departments.

Moreover, Atty. Sawali admitted to the Governor that in determining the LGU ranking, they did not coordinate nor consult with pertinent government agencies whose data might be able to fully reflect realities on the ground.

Gov. Garcia told the officials that such criteria are “subject to unquantifiable but subjective opinions” “erode the credibility of DTI.”

“Under the visionary leadership of Governor Gwen Garcia, we will continue to work in achieving the goal of bringing Cebu Province and other LGUs to greater heights. Through a whole-of-nation approach, the Department is always here to support and collaborate with all stakeholders, in service of the Filipino people, ensuring a Bagong Pilipinas that leaves no one behind,” the DTI chief added.

At an event in Makati City, Sec. Roque recognized the critical role of LGUs in driving the nation’s economic growth, with Cebu leading the way.

“These provinces are economic powerhouses that propel the country’s economic growth, innovation and economic dynamism. Cebu Province, for instance, is renowned for its groundbreaking initiatives in local governance, creating a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investments,” said Sec. Roque.

She also emphasized Cebu’s success, citing its impressive economic performance and strong financial standing as something that is noticed even by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.

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COURTESY CALL OF SWISS AMBASSADOR - The Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines Nicolas Bruhl paid a courtesy visit to Governor Gwen Garcia at the Capitol today, August 8.

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