DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 6 Nov) – The inclusion of Davao City for two consecutive years in the top 10 richest cities in the country says “a lot about the promising future of cities outside Luzon, especially the ones from Mindanao,” Mayor Sara Duterte said on Tuesday.
Davao emerged as the 9th richest with total assets worth P13.18 billion while Cebu landed at 4th place with P33.8 billion. The two are the only cities outside Luzon that made it to the list.
Makati ranked first with P196.57 billion in total assets. Tailing behind Makati are the cities of Quezon (P68.3 billion), Manila (P38.68 billion), Pasig (P33.7 billion), Taguig (P19.64 billion), Caloocan (P17.01 billion), Pasay (P16.66 billion), and Calamba (P12.41 billion).
In the provinces category, Compostela Valley was hailed as the second richest in the country with total assets worth P18.95 billion, next to Cebu (P34.13 billion).
Batangas came in third P15.57 billion in total assets; Rizal, P14.02 billion; Negros Occidental, P12.89 billion; Zambales, P10.455 billion; Bulacan, P10.451 billion; Palawan, P10.158 billion; Iloilo, P10.04 billion; and Pampanga, P9.53 billion.
“The City of Davao is also working on being debt-free in the next two years. Despite this recognition, we are trying our hardest to ensure that we identify and reach those who are poor and take them out of poverty. Only then we can truly be happy about being a rich city,” she said in a statement.
Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy said he was delighted by the “unexpected inclusion” of his province in the list.
“This recognition speaks volume of the efficiency of the Provincial Government in keeping its resources; resources that will be used to deliver social services and finish infrastructures swiftly and efficiently,” he said.
Uy added that the provincial government has improved delivery of government services to its constituencies.
“While this recognition may not be everything but strong fundamentals such as high assets will help us in our desire to fully develop our province… I am very pleased with this distinction. This cements our place as a viable business and investment destination in Mindanao,” he added.
The government attributed the efficiency of the province to the “highly competent government workforce, strong willed political leaders and a collaborative private sector. It is our collective efforts that propelled us to the top.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)