In an effort to strengthen the promotion of a business-friendly and competitive LGU, several local government units in the region were awarded during the 10th recognition of Outstanding Central Luzon LGUs Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor's Permit last April 15 at Holiday Inn, Clark, Pampanga.

The said event is the flagship project of the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. (CLGCFI), in partnership with the Department of the Interior & Local Government (DILG-3) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-3).

In his opening remarks, Hon. Victor A. Yap, current president of CLGCFI and Governor of Tarlac, said that their goal for Central Luzon is to have a stronger position in terms of economic growth, and eventually, to overtake Region 4A as the second in rank in terms of business and investments in the country.

Meanwhile, DTI Sec. Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. lauded Central Luzon's efforts in fostering a competitive and business-friendly environment for businesses and investors. He also said that the region enjoys the most balanced economy in the country due to its strategic geographical positioning which is conducive for doing business that is why achieving its goal of raising its ranking in terms of investors is not impossible.

In the awarding proper, the awards were classified into four components namely: Component 1: Most Outstanding LGU Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor's Permit, Component 2: Most Outstanding LGU for I.T Innovations, Component 3: Best LGU in Customer Relations and Component 4: Most Successful LGU in the Institutionalization of BPLS Reforms.

The winners of the major awards are the following:

Most Outstanding LGU Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor's Permit - Talavera, Nueva Ecija

Most Outstanding LGU for I.T Innovations - Sta. Maria, Bulacan

Best LGU in Customer Relations - San Luis, Aurora

Most Successful LGU in the Institutionalization of BPLS Reforms –
City of San Fernando

Plaques of Recognition and cash prize of Php 20,000 were given to the Regional winners.

In addition, the top three LGUs who ranked the highest in their province were also given Plaques of Recognition.

Apart from these awards, the LGUs which were ranked in the top 10 of the National Competitiveness Council's 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) were also recognized.

The other guests who graced the ceremony were: DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, DILG Regional Director Florida M. Dijan, DTI Regional Director Judith P. Angeles, NEDA Asst. Regional Director Greg L. Pineda and Mr. Renato G. Romero of Regional Development Council III- Special Committee on Competitiveness.