CALAMBA City in Laguna and bulakan town in bulacan took top honors in The Manila Times’ search for the country’s model city and municipality for 2023.

The Model Cities and Municipalities Awards is The Times’ way of giving recognition to the local government units that have made a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and achieved economic growth and expansion through innovations.

The awards were handed out during a ceremony at the Diamond Hotel Ballroom in Manila on Monday.

Calamba was named the Best Model City and Bulakan the Best Model Municipality.

Calamba City was also recognized as a Safe Haven.

The Model City First Runner-up was San Fernando in Pampanga. Mayor Vilma Caluag accepted the award.

San Fernando City was also recognized as Infra Innovator and Tourism and Culture Hub.

General Trias City in Cavite took the Model City Second Runner-Up award. Mayor Luis Ferrer 4th accepted the award for his city, which was