MANILA, Philippines — Calamba City was named the Top Model City at The Manila Times' Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2026 on Thursday, marking its third win overall and back-to-back awards.
Speaking on behalf of Mayor Roseller Rizal, City Administrator Johnny Pamuspusan said the award showed the city government’s work, but stressed that its greater value lay in the services and benefits received by the people.
“Actually, the award is nothing. The people should benefit from it. This is just an indication. But ultimately, what matters more is that our constituents benefit from it,” Pamuspusan said in an interview.
Pamuspusan told The Manila Times that the services provided by the city government were among the areas where residents should ultimately feel the impact of the recognition.
“Thank you to The Manila Times because we have been given this opportunity for the third time. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, for three consecutive years, we received the Top City award,” he said.
The event honoring other outstanding local government units is ongoing as of posting time.
