AIM Policy Center (APC), the public policy think tank of AIM, presented to the public on 19 July 2010 results of its study on Philippine Cities Competitiveness Report Project (PCCRP) 2009. With the theme “Cities and Citizens: Empowerment Towards Growth” the forum at SMX, Pasay City was attended by business executives, academicians, and national and local government officials. The latter group, in particular, was eager to know how their cities fared in the competitiveness study.

APC Executive Director Atty. Ma. Lourdes Sereno explained that cities naturally have to compete for markets, goods, investments, technology, and other resources, amidst inherent problems and constraints like inadequate budgets and infrastructure, big population, geographical limitations, and others. It is possible to measure signs of the ability to compete and surmount problems and constraints. Using several measures including those developed by the International Institute for Management and Development (IMD), Porter’s Diamond Model of National Competitiveness, and APC’s own Analytical Framework of Competitiveness, APC’s study evaluated most Philippine cities. Cebu City figured in all the award categories that included the Best Compliance with Government-Mandated Plans, Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Supportive to MSMEs, Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Honest and Transparent Cities, Dynamism of Local Economy, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life.