CAVITE City Mayor Denver Chua got an outstanding score of 88.85% based on the “Boses ng Bayan” study of RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD), an independent, non-commissioned job performance survey conducted between February 25 and March 8, 2023 and the leading local chief executive (LCE) in the Region 4.

Mayor Eric Africa of Lipa City came second with 88.13%, and Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino of Tagaytay City recorded 88.29% for 3rd on RPMD’s Comprehensive Review of Region 4 City Mayoral Performance, which was evaluation was based on seven key parameters: service delivery, financial management, economic development, governance and leadership, environmental management, social services, and public engagement.

Also among the top-performing mayors were Jun Ynares of Antipolo (87.35%), Alex “AA” Advincula of Imus (86.64%), Arlene Arcillas of Santa Rosa (86.48%), and Beverly Dimacuha of Batangas City (85.82%).

They were followed by Vicente Belen Amante of San Pablo (84.46%), Edwin “Strike” Revilla of Bacoor (83.81%), Marilou Morillo of Calapan (81.32%), Jennifer Barzaga of Dasmariñas (80.63%), and Roseller “Ross” Rizal of Calamba (77.49%).

Mayors Lucilo Bayron of Puerto Princesa (73.68%), Arman Dimaguila of Biñan (73.25%), Dennis Hain of Cabuyao (73.25%), Art Mercado of San Pedro (70.57%), Arth Marasigan of Sto. Tomas (69.81%), Lovely Pontioso of Tayabas (69.35%), Sonny Collantes of Tanauan (68.97%), Mark Alcala of Lucena (58.39%), Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV of General Trias (57.18%), and Gemma Lubigan of Trece Martires (56.88%) also took the lead.

Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMD said the “critical significance” of the performance evaluation of city mayors across the Philippines also underscores its importance on multiple fronts.

According to Dr. Martinez, these evaluations serve as “pivotal mechanisms” to promote accountability, ensure transparency, facilitate improvement and learning, and foster good governance.

In his professional view, performance assessments create a culture of accountability. By systematically appraising the actions and decisions of city mayors, these evaluations hold them answerable to their constituents, thereby strengthening the democratic process.

Moreover, these evaluations enhance transparency in public service. They offer a clear, unbiased view into the work of city mayors, making their actions and decisions more understandable and accessible to the public they serve.

Dr. Martinez also emphasized that these evaluations are critical tools for improvement and learning. They identify areas of strength and those needing enhancement, providing a roadmap for mayors to refine their performance and learn from their experiences.

Finally, and most importantly, these evaluations are the “bedrock of good governance.” They ensure that city mayors are effective in their roles, fulfill their responsibilities, and ultimately contribute to the betterment of their cities and the nation.

In conclusion, Dr. Martinez advocates for the nationwide performance assessment of city mayors, asserting its integral role in promoting accountability, enhancing transparency, facilitating improvement, and driving good governance in the Philippines.

The “Top City Mayors-Region 4 (Calabarzon)” survey was part of the national poll RPMD’s “Boses ng Bayan” by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc., a nationwide survey performed per district in every region with a total of 10,000 respondents who were registered voters. The sampling margin of error is ±1 percent with a 95% confidence level. They were randomly chosen, and the number of respondents per district was distributed proportionally based on official voting population data.