As tasked by E.O. 44 (series of 2011) towards enhancing and upgrading the Philippine Competitiveness rankings in various global initiatives and act as the primary body to execute steps to the country’s international competitiveness rankings, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has implemented Regional counterparts – Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC).

The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), as a partner academe in improving competitiveness level in Region 3, is requested by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to assist in contributing and facilitating in NCC’s mission. One of which is to gather indicators that correspond to the competitiveness rankings.

One the objectives of the project entitled Local Economic Development and Competitiveness index for Cities and Municipalities is to develop a template of standard indicators that will serve as a diagnostic tool for LGUs to assess their level of competitiveness and a benchmark within the Philippines and ASEAN. Having these indictors will contribute in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the cities and municipalities in the region. Another objective of the study is to establish baseline competitiveness information that shall be a basis for appropriate reforms and action by the LGU on critical indicators.

A briefing on the implementation and conduct of the project was recently held at the DTI-3, Nepa mart complex, Angeles City last April 4, 2013. ASCOT Director for Extension, Dr. Eduardo Macose attended the said briefing which discussed the guidelines on the conduct of research regarding the competitiveness indicators.

As a partner academe institution, ASCOT is tasked to facilitate the actual conduct of the data gathering, validating of information in target municipalities as prescribed by the NCC format and submit the report to the DTI Region 3.
For the initial run of the project, the scope of the annual project shall cove all cities in each province and at least three of the largest municipalities (highest income generated annually) in each province. (KTOlivar)