Quezon City cited as top-performing highly urbanized city  

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City was recognized as the top-performing highly urbanized city during the 2023 Local Legislative Awards (LLA).

Santiago City in Isabela and the city of Bogo in Cebu also won in the independent component cities and component cities categories during the LLA held in Pasay City on Tuesday.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos lauded the 15 top-performing city and municipal local legislative councils for passing ordinances that helped shape the social, economic and environmental landscape of their jurisdictions.

“Your commitment to legislative excellence has not only set a standard for others to follow but has also significantly contributed to the advancement of our communities,” he said.

Quezon City also won this year’s local legislative best practices for its free bus rides, alongside measures against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Mandaluyong and Manila.

The LLA is a joint initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines and the Philippine Councilors League.

National winners get a plaque of recognition and a P100,000 cash prize, while first and second runners-up will get P75,000 and P50,000, respectively.