Mandaluyong RP’s most business-friendly city – WB

The World Bank (WB) has cited the Mandaluyong City as the most business-friendly city in the country.

In its recent report titled “Doing Business in the Philippines 2008” the International Finance Corp., a World Bank subsidiary, credited Mandaluyong City for ease of transfer of ownership of property, which takes only 21 days compared to an average of six weeks in other cities.

According to the WB report, though Philippine cities share the same legal framework, they differ in implementing national regulations and that affects their competitiveness.

In the case of Mandaluyong City, the WB said Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.’s move to install a one-stop-shop proved to contribute greatly to the city government’s faster and more efficient delivery of business-related services.

“If we look at the map of Metro Manila, Mandaluyong is visibly at the center of the metropolis. Because of our strategic location and friendly environment, we have been creating a niche as a burgeoning area for businesses and investments, while also maintaining the city as an ideal place to live in,” Abalos said.

In 2003, Mandaluyong was cited by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center and the accountancy firm Sycip, Gorres and Velayo as the “Tiger City of the Philippines” on the strength of the non-stop economic boom in the area and the outstanding leadership of city officials.

Mandaluyong has a nighttime population of around 300,000 and a daytime population of over 1.2 million because of the presence of many business establishments.  — Non Alquitran