University professor says HUC status can accelerate Naga’s dev’t

THE conversion of Naga into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant benefits to its residents through increased funding, improved public services, stronger local governance, and expanded economic opportunities, according to a local governance expert.

Dr. Marshal Q. Murillo, executive assistant to the president, international program officer, and associate professor in Public Administration at Ateneo de Naga University, said Naga’s new status would allow the city to access greater resources and exercise greater autonomy in pursuing its development goals.

He noted that highly urbanized cities generally receive a larger share of the National Tax Allocation (NTA), formerly known as the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), due to their population size and income classification.

“This translates to more funds for infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and public welfare projects,” Murillo said.

He said the city would be able to accelerate the funding and implementation of priority programs in health, education, housing, and social services, enabling the local government to respond more effectively to the needs of its constituents. He added that these developments would improve mobility and enhance the quality of life of residents.

The public administration professor also emphasized that HUC status would strengthen local governance by granting the city greater autonomy and allowing more responsive and streamlined decision-making.

Achieving Highly Urbanized City status would allow Naga to establish direct coordination and dealings with national government agencies, potentially expediting the implementation of development programs and projects.

According to him, with higher revenues and direct control over planning and development, Naga would be in a better position to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction and improvement of roads, drainage systems, transport terminals, digital connectivity facilities, and other public infrastructure.

Murillo also expects HUC status to boost investor confidence and attract more businesses to the city.

“HUC status enhances Naga’s credibility and attractiveness to investors,” he said, adding that the entry of new businesses and expansion of existing industries could generate more jobs and increase household incomes.

The city is likewise expected to improve the delivery of basic services through expanded healthcare systems, improved schools, better sanitation facilities, and strengthened social protection programs.

In terms of urban planning and economic growth, Murillo said the city would be better equipped to implement long-term development plans, manage population growth, and promote a vibrant local economy, including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

He also underscored the advantages of HUC status in disaster resilience and public safety, saying greater funding and autonomy would allow the city to invest more in disaster risk reduction programs, climate adaptation initiatives, and emergency response systems.

Despite these opportunities, Murillo stressed that sustained development is not guaranteed by HUC status alone.

He said the city government must continue to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability to fully realize the benefits of its new classification.

“Being an HUC does not automatically ensure sustained development,” Murillo pointed out.

He said Naga must maintain—and even strengthen—its governance capacity and continue serving as a model of good governance to ensure that the advantages of HUC status translate into tangible and lasting gains for its people.