San Fernando City adjudged as most honest, transparent in government services

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines – This lone city of La Union has been adjudged by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center as the “most honest and transparent in its dealings (services)” and best in documentation.

The awards were part of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) 2009 of AIM and the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID).

Aside from the two awards, San Fernando was recognized for being “most supportive to small and medium entrepreneurs” and “for good quality of life.”

Mayor Pablo Ortega received the awards from AIM president Dr. Edilberto de Jesus and Prof. Ma. Lourdes Sereno, executive director of the AIM Policy Center, during the awarding ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last July 19. 

“These awards show our commitment in serving our constituents and our visitors. We have the team of public servants with a vision of transparent, responsible and accountable governance,” Ortega said.   

Ortega added that the awards are considered milestones for the city as they continue to make it more competitive not just locally but globally. 

The PCCRP is a convergence point for principal actors in city development and provides a venue for multi-sectoral dialogue, research and consultation assessing the competitiveness and overall development performance of emerging cities.

The AIM selected 17 emerging cities as participants in the PCCRP. These were San Fernando, Dagu­pan, Santiago, Tuguegarao, Angeles, Lucena, Puerto Princesa, Naga, Legaspi, Tacloban, Ormoc, Pagadian, Iligan, Tagum, Cotabato, Butuan, and Surigao.

The AIM conducts research and advocates policies that promote a business environment fostering a level playing field, globally competitive industries and sustainable economic development.