2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 10
Available Online: 20 May 2025
Author/s:
Lazo, Errol L.*
Nueva Vizcaya State University, Philippines (errol.lazo74@gmail.com)
Del Mundo, Fernando Jr.
Nueva Vizcaya State University, Philippines
Abstract:
This study analyzes the competitiveness of Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities using the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) from 2022 to 2024, focusing on the five key pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation. While DTI-CMCI offers a structured assessment framework, existing research lacks a deeper exploration of the contextual challenges faced by local government units (LGUs). The results indicate significant improvements in the province’s competitiveness, with the ranking improving from 58th in 2022 to 38th in 2024. In 2024, nine municipalities surpassed the 50th percentile, compared to eight in the previous years. However, upland municipalities consistently ranked lower, reflecting ongoing development disparities. The study reveals that municipal classification had minimal impact on most competitiveness pillars. However, resiliency showed notable variation, with higher-class municipalities demonstrating better preparedness due to more significant access to financial and technical resources. The study emphasizes the critical role of strategic governance and identified key insights to improve local governance and public administration: the need for integrated infrastructure planning, promoting inclusive and localized economic strategies, citizen-centered and tech-driven government efficiency, strengthening community-based resilience approaches, innovation through digital transformation and stakeholders collaboration, needs-based and participatory infrastructure development, institutionalized partnerships, and evidence-based planning for accountability and service impact. These insights highlight the importance of coordinated efforts across sectors, decentralizing economic planning, leveraging technology for efficiency, and fostering collaboration among local and national agencies. Data-driven decision-making and community involvement are critical for addressing local challenges, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable, equitable growth.
Keywords: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, innovation, resiliency
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25125
Cite this article:
Lazo, E. L., & Del Mundo, F. J. (2025). Competitiveness index of municipal local government units (LGUs) in the province of Nueva Vizcaya: Capacities, opportunities, and insights from 2022 to 2024. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(10), 31-49. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25125
* Corresponding Author