By Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head
NAGA CITY, Philippines — An economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University said Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant economic and administrative advantages, but emphasized that maintaining the city’s long-standing commitment to good governance will be crucial to its success.
In an interview, Ms. Danielle Belen, an economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University, said HUC status would improve the city’s investment climate by enhancing its profile among local and foreign investors.
“HUC status often elevates a city’s standing as an economic center, making it more attractive to investments in real estate, commerce, tourism, information technology, healthcare, and education,” Belen said.
She added that the city’s new status could spur increased economic activity through the expansion of businesses, infrastructure projects, and employment opportunities.
According to Belen, investor confidence in Naga’s expanded role as a regional growth hub could help create more jobs and provide local graduates with access to a more competitive workforce environment.
“The HUC status is an affirmation that Naga continues to become a progressive city and is growing efficiently,” she said.
Belen also noted that HUC status would allow city officials to exercise greater control over local affairs, enabling them to focus more directly on urban concerns such as transportation, housing, waste management, traffic management, and public health services.
She said improved autonomy could contribute to better urban planning and more responsive service delivery to residents.
The economics instructor further emphasized that the city’s new classification could strengthen Naga’s regional competitiveness.
Belen likewise pointed to the potential for enhanced fiscal management under HUC status.
With greater flexibility in allocating and prioritizing resources based on local needs, the city government may be able to improve the efficiency of public spending and development programs, she explained.
She also cited the possibility of increased support from the national government, noting that national agencies often recognize HUCs as major urban centers.
This recognition, she said, could improve Naga’s access to national programs, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives that would further accelerate the city’s growth.
However, Belen stressed that the city government must preserve the governance principles that have long distinguished Naga if it is to fully realize the benefits of its new status.
She said the local government should continue to uphold its core values of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation and empowerment in decision-making and governance.
“With Naga’s best practices in governance, there’s no doubt that it can become a successful Highly Urbanized City,” Belen said.
She added that sustaining these principles would help ensure that the gains from urbanization and economic growth translate into inclusive development and improved quality of life for Nagueños.
Belen said the opportunities presented by HUC status, coupled with effective governance, place Naga in a strong position to sustain its development momentum and strengthen its role as one of the country’s leading regional cities.
