Bacolod City was ranked 538th out of 1,000 cities globally in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2024 released recently.
It was the only city in Western Visayas to make on the list and ranked 12th for environment, according to the 113 pages report released by Oxford.
The report by Oxford Economics highlights the enduring importance of cities as drivers of economic growth, even in an era of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the environment category evaluates the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its predisposition to climate change risks,
critical factors for ensuring long-term resilience.
Suva, Fiji has been ranked as the city with the best environment in the world, according to the Oxford report. The Fijian capital topped the rankings due to its excellent air quality and stable climate.
Other cities that scored highly include Fortaleza, Brazil; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Natal, Brazil. These cities all benefit from consistent temperatures and a low risk of natural disasters.
Three cities in New Zealand also made the top 10, thanks to their clean air and minimal natural disasters.
Mark Britton, Director of City Services at Oxford Economics, stressed the importance of understanding each city’s unique characteristics for informed decision-making.
Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index provides a framework to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the world’s largest cities, he added.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez said that the inclusion of Bacolod in the Top 1,000 Cities in the World by Oxford Economics is a glaring proof that the initiatives of his administration are reaping reward.
Bacolod which ranked 538th out of the 1,000 cities assessed was placed at 546 on economics, at 739 for human capital, at 695 for quality of life, and ranked 614 for governance.
Benitez expects this recognition to attract more investors to Bacolod, leading to increased economic activity and job opportunities for Bacolodnons.
“I want to make Bacolod the best place to live, work and play,” said Benitez, adding thay his dream of bringing Bacolod to the next level is coupled by a plan.
