A website study of 120 cities in the Philippines released recently showed Bacolod City at the top of the 20 most livable cities of 2012, based on research data and analysis, and on the European Intelligence Unit Procedure.

This is not the first time that Bacolod has been rated as most livable city. In 2008, it was also given the same distinction by MoneySense Magazine.

Categories considered in computing the ratings of the 120 cities studied were: Stability – 25 percent, Culture and Environment – 25 percent, Healthcare – 20 percent, Education – 10 percent, and Infrastructure – 20 percent.

Also included in the study were financial performance, population density, availability of public and private hospitals, availability of sports and development programs, calamity safety index, availability and quality of public health services – environmental conditions, tourist attractions, cultural and commercial ties, availability of public and private educational sectors, including their performances.

The study also said that quantitative variables were based on reports released by such government agencies as National Statistics Office, Philippine Statistical Coordination Board, IPRSD – Planning Service of DPWH, PAG-ASA, Philippine Volcanology and Seismology, Department of Education, Bureau of Secondary Education of DepEd, Professional Regulatory Commission, and the Commission on Audit.

ALL INDICATORS

In rating Bacolod City with a score of 85.183 as the “Most Livable City of 2012,” the study cited that the city is well-represented in all the indicators considered, for being among the top in such categories as having the lowest crime rate among the first class cities in the country, in giving the best environmental conditions to live in, among those having the best sports program for the public, for its historic and cultural significance, having the best delicacies, tourist attractions, provider of quality public and private education, having the most cultural and commercial ties locally and internationally, in calamity safety index, and in terms of infrastructure.

The study also took note of its MassKara Festival and for being known as very friendly, and nicknamed the “City of Smiles”. It also noted that the city has received numerous awards and citations from various organizations for having one of the best infrastructure, stable economy, interesting culture, and conducive environment.

Meanwhile, local records also show that Bacolod has been a consistent finalist in the national search for the most business friendly and most child friendly city, for best peace and order council and best risk reduction council, and has been rated as Number 3 growth center in the country by the Asian Institute of Management, the United States International Agency for Development, and the German Technical Cooperation, and Number 3 of the Next Wave Cities according to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Business Process Outsourcing Association.

OTHERS RATED

Other cities and their respective ratings are: Davao City – 84.804; Marikina City – 84.323; Makati City – 83.874; Manila – 83.345; Puerto Princesa – 83.030; Cebu City – 83.004; Baguio City – 82.900; Quezon City – 82.827; Zamboanga City – 82.740;

Iloilo City – 82.664; Olongapo – 82.483; Naga City – 82.390; Angeles City – 82.173; Ormoc – 82.085; Batangas City – 81.914; Santa Rosa, Laguna – 81.911; Muntinglupa – 81.868; Tagaytay – 81.663; Tagum City – 80.657.

OVERWHELMING

Contacted for comment, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia who said he learned about it from a text message from noted artist Peque Gallaga, said “This is simply overwhelming! It caps all the hard work of our government and private sectors through the years. It also validates all the awards and recognitions our city has been receiving in recent years, and will surely keep Bacolod surging ahead!”

“That is why our slogan now is: Life is good in Bacolod,” he added.*

Source: http://ikwaderno.wordpress.com

back to top