(FILE PHOTO) Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — Mayors Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and Eric Singson of Candon City in Ilocos Sur emerged as among the top performing city mayors in the country in a latest evaluation of performance conducted by an independent research firm.
In a comprehensive research initiative, 145 city mayors were scrutinized concerning their efficacy against a broad spectrum of evaluative criteria.
“The criteria encompass seven vital categories: service provision, financial stewardship, economic progress, leadership and governance, environmental management, social services, and public engagement,” said Dr. Paul Martinez, executive director of RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).
READ: Belmonte top mayor in Metro Manila poll
The Boses ng Bayan study also provided a comprehensive view of leadership effectiveness within the archipelago. Emerging as the most accomplished city mayor in the Philippines for the initial quarter was Belmonte, earning the distinguished recognition with a score of 94.35%.
The following city mayors also made significant contributions to the panorama of exemplary governance: Singson of Candon (92.80%), Nacional Mercado of Maasin (90.26%), Art Robes of San Jose Del Monte (89.75%), Jonas Cortes of Mandaue (88.89%), Denver Chua of Cavite (88.85%), Indy Oaminal of Ozamis (88.78%), Samsam Gullas Jr. of Talisay (88.35%), Bambol Tolentino of Tagaytay (88.29%), Ahong Chan of Lapu-Lapu (88.18%), Eric Africa of Lipa (88.13%), Benjamin Magalong of Baguio (87.82%), Jay Diaz of Ilagan (87.69%), Geraldine Rosal of Legaspi (87.55%), and Sheena Tan of Santiago (87.42%).
In addition, Albee Benitez of Bacolod (83.77%), Pat Evangelista of Kidapawan (83.57%), Bruce Matabalao of Cotabato (83.16%), Jerry Treñas of Iloilo (82.94%), Darel Uy of Dipolog (82.85%), Sitti Hataman of Isabela (82.34%), Baste Duterte of Davao (82.11%), Bullet Jalosjos of Dapitan (81.92%), Joe Relampagos of Panabo (81.83%), and Roxanne Pimentel of Tandag (80.10%) added their distinctive contributions to the grand masterpiece that is Philippine leadership.
The evaluation of city mayors plays a crucial role in reinforcing a robust accountability framework, ensuring that mayors discharge their duties with efficiency and skill.
Martinez said this rigorous evaluation fortifies good governance by examining Mayors’ adherence to legal and ethical standards, dedication to civic engagement, and ability to deliver public services efficiently.
The study also drives continuous improvement by identifying areas of growth, with “valuable feedback and suggestions serving as invaluable tools for mayors to refine their leadership skills, enhance their strategic acumen, and elevate their proficiency in city administration.”
The assessment covers essential aspects including service provision, fiscal responsibility, economic progress, leadership and governance, environmental management, social services, and public involvement. Each facet provides a unique lens to examine the mayors’ capabilities and commitment to their constituents.