Puerto now a highly urbanized city

President Arroyo has declared Puerto Princesa in Palawan a highly urbanized city.

Mrs. Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation 1264 last March 26 based on a petition by the Puerto Princesa City council for such a declaration.

The city met the minimum requirements set by the Local Government Code of 1991 for its conversion into a highly urbanized city, which must have a minimum population of 200,000 and an annual income of at least P50 million.

"It is a declared policy of the government to support local governments’ initiatives to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals," the proclamation stated.

With the declaration, the Commission on Elections is required to conduct a plebiscite on the conversion within 120 days.

Highly urbanized cities enjoy a bigger internal revenue allotment and greater autonomy, among other perks.

A highly urbanized city is also entitled to one legislative district in Congress. The classification carries with it the distinction of the city being a progressive local government unit.