BAGUIO CITY IS PHL’S TOP IN MODEL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES AWARD

September 29, 2024 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Baguio City was adjudged as top model city stamping its class as an Education Hub, Livelihood and Employment Centered, Family First and Social Service Oriented place, Retirement Haven, Safe Haven, and Food Security Enabler in the just concluded The Manila Times Model Cities and Municipalities 2024 Awards. Aside from topping the seven categories, the city also placed first runner-up in the Sustainability Champion aspect of the prestigious awards program.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong is elated, he said, over the recognition as he shared the honor with the private sector and the Baguio community whose cooperation has been instrumental in the gains so far achieved in the continuing pursuit for a better Baguio. The mayor’s Executive Assistant V Samantha Jean Hamada received the award in behalf of the city government during the awarding rites on September 19, 2024 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasay City attended by Manila Times president and chief operations officer Blanca Mercado, P&A Grant Thornton Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing partner Olivier Aznar; Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels Cleofe Albiso; and Times Chairman and chief executive officer Dante Ang II.

Bacnotan town in La Union took the top plum in the municipalities category. A total of 26 cities and 12 municipalities were screened for the awards program this year which centered on the theme, “Reinventing, Reinvigorating Urban Living,” The project aims to give recognition to “exemplary cities and municipalities that manifest steadfast commitment to providing sustainable development and economic growth for their residents through various initiatives.”

“The Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2024 celebrated the progress and development in urban areas across the country,” according to the Manila Times. “It highlighted the capability of the local governments’ capability to reduce poverty; enhance productivity and profitability; integrate information, communications and technology, and governance strategies; benchmark best practices; universalize literacy in the country; reform competitiveness in local trade and investments; and streamline the ease of doing business.”

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN