CRCC: Data acquisition from Cordillera line agencies hard

BAGUIO CITY — The Cordillera Regional Competitiveness Committee, through the Dept. of Trade and Industry, recently conducted its 2019 1st semester meeting to tackle issues and concerns raised during the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) regional and provincial workshops.

Among the top concerns as presented by Andrea L. Tactay, senior Trade Industry development specialist of DTI-CAR, was difficulty in gathering data from regional line agencies such as number of registered vehicles, number of private doctors and nurses, net enrollment ratio, data on private schools and teachers, as well as data from local government units to include revenues.

 Another issue is the low scores on Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited hotels, resorts, inn, apartelles, and pension houses. Baguio City Planning and Development coordinator Evelyn Cayat said there were lots of tourism establishments in the city but not all were accredited by DOT. Angela Fagutao of DOT-CAR reported that while they conducted thorough information education campaign on DOT accreditation and law states that accreditation is mandatory, there is no penalty provision.

This concern would hopefully be addressed by Memo Circular No. 2019-17 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government reiterating the implementing rules and Regulations of RA No. 9593 or the Tourism Act 2009 indicating that Primary Tourism Enterprises such as hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments are required to secure accreditation from the DOT for issuance of license or permit to operate.

“This is a welcome development as it further establishes the relevance of the DOT Accreditation among PTEs which includes travel and tour agencies, tourist transport operators, tourism front liners, and convention and exhibition organizers,” Fagutao said.

Another issue is the low receptivity of LGUs in the CMCI. One recommendation forwarded is to conduct awarding ceremony at the provincial level. On the issue of no permanent CMCI pointperson at the LGU, the RCC recommended for DTI to assist LGUs in seeking budget to operationalize an Investment Promotion Unit and to create a plantilla position for the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer.

The CMCI measures competitiveness of LGUs in terms of economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure. Other topics discussed include results of the 2018 CMCI Survey, 2019 CMCI Survey timeline, and a presentation on the Philippine Quality Awards. MAWC- PIA CAR