The City of Naga in the Bicol Region has officially joined the ranks of the country’s highly urbanized cities (HUCs), becoming the 34th such city in the Philippines following a proclamation signed on Wednesday by Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga formally initiated the city’s bid for highly urbanized city status through the adoption of Resolution No. 2026-078 on January 27, 2026, citing that the city had already met the statutory requirements, including the prescribed annual income and population threshold necessary for such classification.
The milestone announcement coincided with the commemoration of the 68th birth anniversary of the late Jesse M. Robredo, widely regarded as the “Father of Good Governance” in the Philippines for his transformative leadership anchored on transparency, accountability, and people empowerment.
The proclamation took center stage during the day’s activities, which included a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony honoring Robredo’s legacy.
The event was led by his widow, Leni Robredo, alongside members of the Robredo family, including his elder brother Butch, as well as barangay officials, educators, students, local government employees, and representatives from national government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Department of Education.
It was Mayor Robredo who formally announced to the public Naga’s elevation to HUC status, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.
In his opening remarks, Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado Jr. underscored the enduring impact of Jesse Robredo’s leadership, particularly in fostering strong people’s participation in governance—a model that has since been replicated by many local government units across the country.
Jesse Robredo served as mayor of Naga City for 19 years before his appointment as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.
In her message, Mayor Robredo expressed the family’s deep gratitude to Nagueños for their continued remembrance and affection for Jesse, noting the community’s unwavering support in commemorating both his birth and death anniversaries.
The conferment of HUC status marks a historic chapter for Naga City, reflecting its sustained growth and development, as well as the enduring legacy of leadership that has shaped its governance.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160, specifically Rule VIII, Article 12, states that within 120 days from the declaration of the president of the Philippines, the Comelec shall conduct a plebiscite in the city proposed to be converted. I via Jason Neola, head CMO-Public Information Division.
