From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
“Resilient systems and innovation driven growth propel Cagayan de Oro’s rise”
The latest Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confirms that Cagayan de Oro City continues to strengthen its position among the most competitive urban centers in the Philippines.
In the most recent ranking of Highly Urbanized Cities, Cagayan de Oro earned a higher position by moving up to sixth (6th) nationwide, improving from seventh (7th) in the previous year while maintaining its presence in the national Top 10.
This improvement is supported by strong performance across key pillars measured under the CMCI framework, particularly resiliency and innovation.
Top 10 Highly Urbanized Cities
The national CMCI ranking for highly urbanized cities shows the following Top 10:
1. Quezon City
2. Manila
3. Pasay City
4. Taguig City
5. Makati City
6. Cagayan de Oro City
7. Davao City
8. Iloilo City
9. Parañaque City
10. Pasig City
Seven of the ten cities belong to Metro Manila, making Cagayan de Oro the highest ranked city in both Visayas and Mindanao in the national competitiveness index.
National Leadership in Resiliency
One of the city’s most notable achievements is its performance in the Resiliency pillar, where Cagayan de Oro ranked first (1st) nationwide among highly urbanized cities.
Resiliency measures disaster preparedness systems, environmental protection programs, social protection mechanisms, and the ability of government institutions to respond effectively during emergencies.
In a country frequently affected by typhoons and flooding, strong resiliency systems represent one of the most important indicators of governance capacity.
A Top Three National Ranking in Innovation
Equally significant is the city’s performance in Innovation, where Cagayan de Oro ranked third (3rd) nationwide, next only to Manila and Cebu City.
Innovation in the CMCI framework aligns with global benchmarks such as the Global Innovation Index (GII) developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The GII evaluates innovation ecosystems through indicators related to research institutions, technology development, knowledge creation, and entrepreneurial activity. In the Philippines, innovation policy is reinforced by the Republic Act No. 11293, which promotes innovation driven economic development.
In Cagayan de Oro, the innovation ecosystem is anchored by institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), a state university created under Republic Act No. 10919 that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and innovation oriented education. USTP hosts research laboratories, technology business incubation programs, and industry collaboration initiatives designed to translate academic research into commercial and industrial applications.
These initiatives are complemented by emerging startup communities, digital entrepreneurship platforms, and technology driven enterprises that are gradually positioning Cagayan de Oro as an innovation hub in Northern Mindanao.
The Foundation of Long Term Competitiveness
Together, resiliency and innovation form the backbone of long term urban competitiveness. Resiliency ensures that cities can withstand shocks and protect their communities, while innovation enables cities to generate new industries, technologies, and economic opportunities.
When both pillars are strong, cities are able not only to endure disruptions but also to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing global economy.
The latest CMCI ranking therefore reflects more than a statistical improvement. It signals that Cagayan de Oro is steadily building the institutional systems that sustain competitiveness.
And increasingly, those systems are placing the city at the forefront of urban development in Visayas and Mindanao.
Sources:
Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), Department of Trade and Industry
Global Innovation Index, World Intellectual Property Organization
Republic Act No. 11293
Republic Act No. 10919
Photo Credits:
Central Business District skyline of Cagayan de Oro City.
Port of Cagayan de Oro and Macabalan harbor area showing the city’s logistics gateway.
Aerial view of the Cagayan de Oro City skyline and urban landscape.
Cagayan de Oro City Hall at Divisoria.
St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral.
Gaston Park civic plaza.
Night skyline of the Cagayan de Oro City commercial district.
Limketkai Center commercial complex.
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines campus.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and are based on publicly available government and institutional data.
About the Author:
Ray G. Talimio Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant and veteran columnist on governance, economic policy, and public accountability. He is a Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc., a former Co-Chairman of the Regional Development Council Region X Economic Development Committee, a National Officer of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a former BIMP-EAGA Chairperson, and an active member of the Association of CPAs in Public Practice.
###
