The CMCI or Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, was launched in 2012 with only 285 Local Government Units (LGUs) participating across the Philippines (CMCI Manual). Its goal was to encourage cities and municipalities to boost their competitiveness across five key pillars: Economic Dynamism, Infrastructure, Resiliency, Innovation, and Government Efficiency.

The Municipality of San Lorenzo, a 5th-class municipality, began its journey with the CMCI in 2017. Initially, San Lorenzo faced a significant challenge: compiling accurate, credible data for the CMCI evaluation criteria. This process required dedication from the municipal team, who worked diligently to submit official and reliable data across the five pillars.

In its first year, San Lorenzo ranked 414th among 5th- and 6th-class municipalities. Although it improved to the 382nd spot by 2019, the ranking still left room for growth. The turning point came in 2020, when the municipality rose to 71st place—a substantial improvement and a step toward even better progress. However, the team was determined to strive even further. In 2022, following the re-election to a final term as Municipal Mayor, Mayor Ninfa Gadnanan Gajo dedicated herself to advancing San Lorenzo’s progress to new heights.   

With her leadership, employees redoubled their efforts, and the administration implemented more programs and projects aimed at enhancing municipal services to better serve the San Lorenzohanons. Their hard work culminated in an outstanding achievement positioning San Lorenzo at Rank 1 among all 5th- and 6th-class municipalities in the country. 

This achievement fueled even greater ambition within the municipality. From 285 LGUs in 2012, the coverage of CMCI has been increased to 1,631 LGUs (CMCI Manual). In 2023, despite increased competition from more LGUs, San Lorenzo held a strong position, ranking 18th nationally and 2nd in Western Visayas. By 2024, the municipality had climbed further, securing 16th place out of 319 5^th – 6^th class municipalities in national rank and Rank 1 in Western Visayas.

At the recent 2024 Regional CMCI Awards held on November 4, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center, San Lorenzo reclaimed its title as the Overall Most Competitive Municipality among 5th and 6th class municipalities in Western Visayas, surpassing competitors like Mina, Iloilo, which led in 2023. The LGU of San Lorenzo received top recognitions across the CMCI pillars: Rank 1 in Economic Dynamism, Rank 1 in Infrastructure, Rank 2 in Innovation, Rank 3 in Resiliency, and Rank 3 in Most Improved.

The CMCI journey of San Lorenzo stands as a testament to the power of vision, strategic programs, and dedicated public service. Through hard work and collaboration, San Lorenzo has emerged as a model of growth, earning both regional and national recognition and positioning itself as a vibrant, progressive municipality for years to come.