Saint Mary’s University (SMU) has proudly emerged as one of the top 4 finalists at the 6th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Academic Symposium, held on December 11, 2024, at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City with the theme: “Nurturing Creative Ecosystems for Competitive Cities and Municipalities.” The university was represented by a distinguished team comprising Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, and Dr. Melanie G. Gurat. Their research paper, titled “Driving Local Government Units’ Competitiveness in Nueva Vizcaya through Academe-Industry Collaboration: A CMCI Analysis for Nurturing Creative Ecosystems,” not only secured a finalist position in the Group Category but was also ranked as 2nd Best Paper at the symposium.

The CMCI is an annual initiative developed by the National Competitiveness Council and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs). This ranking serves as an essential tool for evaluating local government units’ (LGUs) performance across five key pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resilience, and Innovation. The symposium brought together scholars and practitioners to share insights and innovative strategies aimed at enhancing local competitiveness across the Philippines.

SMU’s participation highlights its commitment to academic excellence and its proactive role in fostering regional development through collaborative research efforts. The university also demonstrates its commitment to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The recognition received at the CMCI Academic Symposium underscores the university’s dedication to nurturing creative ecosystems that can significantly contribute to local government effectiveness and community resilience.

Written by: Dr. Harrison Villanueva
Assistant Director, Institutional Development, and Quality Assurance Office