SIXTY-FIVE cities and towns are competing this year in The Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities Awards 2026.
Undergoing a judging process that began on Thursday, Sept. 10, are 40 cities and 25 towns — “the most entries yet” since the awards began, said The Manila Times President and COO Blanca Mercado said. This was an increase from 30 cities and 18 towns in 2025.
In her welcoming remarks during the deliberation day, Mercado said the awards were created to challenge local government units to develop urban centers where economic growth is matched by ecological responsibility.
“We envisioned an initiative that inspires cities and municipalities across the Philippines to build resilient, future-ready urban centers where economic growth walks hand in hand with ecological responsibility,” Mercado said.
She said recent events, including flooding, earthquakes and smoke from a neighboring country, have underscored the need for sustainability and disaster preparedness to become integral parts of urban development rather than optional considerations.
“Sustainability and disaster preparedness are no longer optional line items in urban development,” she said. “They must be embedded into the very foundation of community building and city planning.”
“The 2026 deliberations involve a record 40 cities and 25 municipalities shortlisted for evaluation,” Denise Calnea, marketing communications and services director at The Times said, stressing that judges will assess the entries across 15 categories covering infrastructure, technology, environmentally friendly planning, social services and emergency readiness.
Mercado also said local governments are increasingly rethinking how their jurisdictions operate, citing the use of smart technology in environmental governance, walkable and transit-oriented corridors, improved water and waste management, food security and renewable energy.
The awards trace their beginnings to the recognition of Bacolod, Batangas and Naga in 2017. The program later expanded to municipalities and has continued to recognize local governments for innovations in governance, including post-pandemic winners such as Calamba and Bulacan.
Mercado said the judges’ deliberations would help define the standards for communities that are “truly livable, sustainable and inclusive.” The judging panel includes Mai Sigue-Bisnar, partner and leader of advisory services, brand and communications, and business development, represented by Vier Aznar, vice chairman and deputy managing partner at P&A Grant Thornton; Carla Czarina Cadiz, marketing manager at PHirst Park Homes; Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, president and CEO of Wilcon Depot; Harold Brian Geronimo, first vice president at Megaworld Corp., Sheila Lobien, CEO of Lobien Realty Group; Felino Palafox Jr., founder of Palafox Associates; and Manila Hotel President Jose Lina Jr.
The Manila Times is conducting the awards with Megaworld and P&A Grant Thornton as co-presenters, with support from its category partners Angkas, GCash, Infinivan, PHirst Park Homes, SMDC, SM Supermalls, Wilcon Depot and The Manila Hotel as venue partner.
The awards will be held on Sept. 24 at The Manila Hotel.
This year’s theme for the annual competition that started in 2017 is: “Environmental Communities Cultivating First-World Economies.”
