Bacolod, Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo and San Fernando-Pampanga cities topped the 2005 survey conducted by the Asian Institute of Management, in cooperation with the USAID, the Asia Foundation and the German Technical Cooperation during the awarding rites held at the Grand Ballroom of the International Hotel in Makati City yesterday.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia received the plaque of recognition from AIM president Roberto de Ocampo at the ceremonies for the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2005 awards. Assisting de Ocampo were USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, Asia Foundation County Representative Steve Rood, and German Technical Cooperation Program Manager Martina Vahlaus.

Bacolod ranked Number One in the areas of Quality of life and Infrastructure. Other criteria were: Cost of Doing Business, Human Resource and Training, Responsiveness of Local Governance, Dynamism of Local Economy and Linkages to Major Urban and Growth Centers.

Guest speaker was Senator Francis Pangilinan. Present at the rites were members of the diplomatic corps, local government officials, businessmen, executives and representatives of the academe. "The results of the survey and this recognition by these prestigious institutions validate our claim that indeed Bacolod is 'back on track'" Leonardia said after accepting the award.

"This should serve as our source of inspiration and guidance to continue moving our city towards progress and prosperity," he also said, adding "This will also remind our city officials that if we work together, we can go a long, long way. Most of all, I salute the people of Bacolod who are responsible for putting Bacolod where it is today", he said.*

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