Naga City has moved closer to a major political shift after President Bongbong Marcos signed the proclamation declaring it a highly urbanized city, a status that could affect national projects, public funding, infrastructure, and future representation in Congress.
Mayor Leni Robredo announced the development Wednesday during the 68th birth anniversary commemoration of her late husband, former Naga mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, at the Naga Civic Center. She said Malacañang confirmed the proclamation was signed.
“Pinirmahan na ni Presidente si Proclamation na highly urbanized city na ang Naga,” Robredo said.
The announcement gives Naga a formal opening to move from an independent component city of Camarines Sur toward highly urbanized city status. Under the Local Government Code, that classification is for cities with at least 200,000 residents and an annual income of at least ₱50 million based on 1991 constant prices.
Naga has met those marks. Philippine Statistics Authority data placed its 2024 population at 210,545. Data from the city treasurer showed its annual income has surpassed ₱1 billion since 2016. Bureau of Local Government Finance data placed its average annual income at ₱1.49 billion in 2024 and ₱1.6 billion in 2025.
Robredo credited the milestone to collective work. “Mabalos na maray sa gabos na nagtarabang para makamtan ta ang status na ini,” she said.
The city government called the conferment “a historic chapter for Naga City,” saying it reflects sustained growth, development, and long-running governance.
The status is not final until Naga voters approve it in a plebiscite within 120 days. Since Naga is an independent component city, only registered voters in the city will decide.
If ratified, Naga could gain stronger footing in seeking national projects and its own congressional district, which would still require a law passed by Congress and signed by the President.
