Philippine cities are classified into three groups: highly urbanized cities (HUC), independent component cities (ICC), and component cities (CC).
Highly urbanized cities are local government units autonomous from provinces that have a minimum population of 200,000 and an annual income of at least ? 50 million (in 1991 constant prices). Independent component cities are cities outside of provincial jurisdiction (although some are allowed to participate in the election of provincial officials) that have not yet attained the ‘highly urbanized’ status, while component cities are those under a province’s jurisdiction.[1] In addition, each city is classified into six income brackets according to income in a four-year period. For instance, 1st class cities have an income of ? 400 million or more, while 6th class cities earn less than 80 million in a four-year period. Each city is governed by both the Local Government Code of 1991[2] and the city’s own municipal charter, under the laws of the Philippines.
1. Iloilo
Iloilo is a small, one of the oldest, and simple city. You can tour all around the city in half a day, and most of the buildings you’ll see are schools, universities, colleges, ancestral houses, old architectural buildings, and historical churches. Ilonggos value history, education, and religion. Not to mention the delectable foods you’ll enjoy along the streets. However, smoking in public places is a crime. Never dare when you’re in Iloilo.
Outside the city, you’ll enjoy beaches as well as seafood at a very cheap price. I love Iloilo because life is so simple, laid-back, and serene, yet fulfilling. You don’t need a lot of money to visit Iloilo, but you’ll enjoy the company of the Ilonggos.
2. Metro Cebu
Cebu is a city on Cebu Island in the Philippines. It is known as the Queen City of the South and is one of the most popular destinations in all of the Philippines for foreign tourists. It has the largest seaport in the Philippines, the second-largest air hub, and is the second-largest city in the country.
Cebu is the fastest-growing large city in the nation, with an annual growth rate of over 5% per year. It is a booming metropolitan area with all the conveniences of a modern city. At the same time, it boasts natural resources like countless white sand beaches (both commercial and untouched), as well as historical sites that reflect its cosmopolitan past. These range from the birth of Christianity in Asia to early commercial trade with Mexico and China, and even vestiges of the American colonization of the Philippine.
3. Davao City
Davao has a low crime rate, at less than 1%. Current revenue statistics rank Davao City as the fifth-richest city in the Philippines in terms of local income and Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). It is the only city outside Greater Manila in the top five. The city government also maintains a 24-hour emergency response system, patterned after the 9-1-1 system used in the United States. A curfew for minors is observed in the city as well. All business establishments, particularly bars and discos, are mandated by a city ordinance to refrain from selling alcoholic drinks beyond 2:00 a.m. Motorcycle drivers without helmets and motorists with defective lights are not allowed to enter or drive in the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and at the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours a day to ensure the strict. The use of fireworks and other similar pyrotechnics, as well as smoking, is strictly prohibited in most of the city. Even outdoors, if you are under a roof of any kind, smoking is prohibited. Violators are subject to hefty fines, community service, jail time, or a combination of the three. Littering is also prohibited. They are also known as the Durian capital.
4. Roxas City
Roxas City is the most livable and lovable city in the Philippines, known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. Many upcoming malls are here in Roxas City. Experience the fresh seafood here. Roxas City is the cleanest and greenest city in Western Visayas. Here, you can relax on the clean beaches and enjoy the fresh air.
5. Batangas City
The City of Batangas is ramping up activities in trade, finance, education, and medical services for most parts of the province. As a center for trade and commerce, it hosts one of the largest oil refineries in the country, Pilipinas Shell, as well as three natural gas power plants: Kielco, First Gas, and Malampaya On-Shore Gas Plant. Other major industries include San Miguel Food Corporation, JG Summit PetroChemical Corp., Universal Robina Corp., Himmel Industries Inc., Chemphil Bulk Terminal, San Lorenzo Power Plant, and First Philippine Industrial Corp.
It is also an educational hub, home to three of the largest universities in the province. Recently, more international schools have chosen the city as their campus site.
6. Baguio City
Probably one of the most diverse cities in the country, this city is where both local and international cultures meet in harmony. Coffee lovers and party-goers would love this place because hundreds of creative cafes are literally everywhere. They even have a unique alcohol mix called C2GIN, which is surprisingly very cheap. People are also very friendly in the place.
Baguio City is a multicultural city because it has been a settlement for Americans, Japanese, Chinese, and even the natives of Cordillera. Baguio City is also great because it has the cruise-ship-shaped mall (SM Baguio), the Panagbenga (Flower Festival), where floats are made out of natural flowers, one of the Texas Instruments factories, and the only Philippine Military Academy. We could also make our city look like New York because we have Abanao Square, Malcolm Square, and our very own business street: Session Road.
7. Bacolod City
Bacolod City captures my attention due to its ability to outsmart many, if not all, of the older cities in terms of economy, governance, business opportunities, sports, education, healthcare industries, social responsibility and religio-cultural diversity. Because of this, the people are happy and live longer lives. They are known as the City of Smiles, and the Origin of the famous Inasal Chicken,
The famed city on a hill, or a “bakulod,” started its beginnings as a small riverside community in the 1770s and later became a city of more than 500,000 people in 2010. It is now every Filipino’s favorite vacation destination, convention destination, gastronomic adventure, or business opportunity. Well-designed streets and city blocks, as well as well-zoned areas of development, efficient traffic management, and an outstanding peace and order system.Home of famous filmmakers, directors, performers, and beauty titlists.
It’s the city that’s famous for having the latest car models driven by rich hacienderos.
8. City of Manila
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.
Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a rich history influenced by various cultures including Spanish, American, and indigenous influences. As a center for commerce, education, and governance, Manila houses several important institutions, including the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest existing university in Asia. Known for its vibrant street life and local markets like Divisoria and Quiapo, the city has a diverse culinary and artistic scene.
9. Cagayan de Oro City
Dubbed locally as the “City of Golden Friendship” (Dakbayan sa Bulawanong Panaghigala-ay in Cebuano, as the phrase appears on the city’s seal), Cagayan de Oro is known for the camaraderie and hospitality that are inherent and traditional traits of its people.
Cagayan de Oro is considered a melting pot in Mindanao and is on its way to being classified as a first-class city. Serving as the regional center, it is the most populous highly-urbanized city in Northern Mindanao, a region noted for its accessibility, business growth, and tourism attractions.
Cagayan de Oro is often called the “Melting Pot of Mindanao” because of its accessibility, business growth, and attractions, as well as its warm and hospitable people. It is also a business hub of the Northern Mindanao region and is considered one of the most progressive and competitive cities in the country.
10. Digos City
It is known for its sweet-juicy ‘carabao variety mango,’ sold locally and exported abroad, thus being dubbed as the Mango Capital City of the Philippines. It is also considered as The Gate City Of The South.
Digos City is truly a Filipino spot for those who want to find happiness. People in Digos are jokers, lovable, and caring. Digos is known as the city of the lion. In other words, Digos residents are warriors. They’re not afraid of danger. Their only fear is of God..
One of the progressive cities in Davao Del Sur, where people dedicate their time to farming and minimal industrial and retail activity.
