Landmark AIM study cites outstanding cities

The cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Angeles have the most dynamic economy while the cities of Davao, Olongapo and San Fernando (La Union) have the best quality of life, according to a study by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center (APC). Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Angeles were cited for generating a high level of market opportunities, lending activity, participation in business organizations and trade fairs, access to finance, foreign interest (number of foreign representative offices and consulates), tourist attractiveness and website availability.

Meanwhile, Davao, Olongapo and San Fernando got high points for their level of safety and the quality of their environment, including the peace and order situation and pollution management.

The year-long study, undertaken by the APC under its Philippine Cities Competitive Ranking Project, showed that Cebu also got high ratings in four other categories and San Fernando, in two other categories.

The study aimed to determine how the cities could cope in an increasingly competitive world.
The other outstanding cities in the APC were:

Most honest and transparent cities: Cebu, Zambonga, Olongapo, Batangas, San Fernando (La Union), Pagadian, Legazpi, Surigao, and Tuguegarao.

Most support for micro, small and medium enterprises: Davao, Batangas and San Fernando City (La Union).

Disaster preparedness: Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Tacloban got the highest. Most competitive in terms of infrastructure: Cebu, Dagupan and General Santos. –MAYVELIN u. CARABALLO RESEARCHER, Manila Times