ADNU Social Sciences

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗨𝗖 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

An economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University said Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) is expected to bring significant economic and administrative advantages, but emphasized that maintaining the city's long-standing commitment to good governance will be crucial to its success.

In an interview, Ms. Danielle Belen, an economics instructor at Ateneo de Naga University, said HUC status would improve the city’s investment climate by enhancing its profile among local and foreign investors.

“HUC status often elevates a city’s standing as an economic center, making it more attractive to investments in real estate, commerce, tourism, information technology, healthcare, and education,” Belen said.

She added that the city's new status could spur increased economic activity through the expansion of businesses, infrastructure projects, and employment opportunities.

According to Belen, investor confidence in Naga’s expanded role as a regional growth hub could help create more jobs and provide local graduates with access to a more competitive workforce environment.

“The HUC status is an affirmation that Naga continues to become a progressive city and is growing efficiently,” she said.

Belen also noted that HUC status would allow city officials to exercise greater control over local affairs, enabling them to focus more directly on urban concerns such as transportation, housing, waste management, traffic management, and public health services.

She said improved autonomy could contribute to better urban planning and more responsive service delivery to residents.

The economics instructor further emphasized that the city’s new classification could strengthen Naga's regional competitiveness.

Belen likewise pointed to the potential for enhanced fiscal management under HUC status.

With greater flexibility in allocating and prioritizing resources based on local needs, the city government may be able to improve the efficiency of public spending and development programs, she explained.

She also cited the possibility of increased support from the national government, noting that national agencies often recognize HUCs as major urban centers.
This recognition, she said, could improve Naga’s access to national programs, infrastructure projects, and development initiatives that would further accelerate the city’s growth.

However, Belen stressed that the city government must preserve the governance principles that have long distinguished Naga if it is to fully realize the benefits of its new status.

She said the local government should continue to uphold its core values of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation and empowerment in decision-making and governance.

“With Naga's best practices in governance, there's no doubt that it can become a successful Highly Urbanized City,” Belen said.

She added that sustaining these principles would help ensure that the gains from urbanization and economic growth translate into inclusive development and improved quality of life for Nagueños.

Belen said the opportunities presented by HUC status, coupled with effective governance, place Naga in a strong position to sustain its development momentum and strengthen its role as one of the country's leading regional cities. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛

Public administration professor says HUC status can speed up 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. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head

Congratulations BA Political Science Batch 2026!

Looking back at 𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 2026, one thing remains clear: it would not have been the same without the people who filled every room, joined every conversation, and made each event feel alive. 🖤

Beyond the programs and activities, 𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 became a collection of moments, meeting new people, exchanging ideas, sharing perspectives, and finding common ground through meaningful discussions.

✨ To everyone who attended, supported, partnered with us, and became part of the experience, thank you. Your presence turned a week of events into something much more memorable. ✨

Here’s a look back at some of the moments that made 𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 2026 what it was. 💛

COMMEMORATION OF JUAN Q. MIRANDA'S 41st DEATH ANNIVERSARY
Leo Paulo I. Imperial, Chairperson of the Social Sciences Department, shared the life and legacy of Juan Q. Miranda.

The Ateneo de Naga University - Social Sciences Department has become aware of circulating publicity materials and social media posts identifying MS. SUNSHINE ANGELIQUE ATIENZA as a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program of the University and as a purported magna cm laude graduate.

After verification of available departmental records, the Department states that Ms. Atienza is NOT A GRADUATE of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program.

We request the public and concerned parties to exercise caution in sharing information regarding academic credentials and institutional affiliations and to verify such claims through appropriate official channels.

This statement is issued solely for the purpose of clarifying the records of the Department and preventing the spread of inaccurate information.

“Sa bawat pagtatapos, may mga pangarap na natutupad, mga sakripisyong nabibigyang-saysay, at mga bagong pananagutang nagsisimula.

Napakadaling mangarap para sa sarili.

Mas mahirap mangarap para sa iba.

At dito natin mas nakikitang ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pag-angat ng sarili, kundi tungkol din sa paglingon sa iba.

So this is my challenge to Batch 2026:
Huwag tayong maging mga propesyonal na tahimik sa harap ng katiwalian.
Huwag tayong maging edukado ngunit walang pakialam sa mga isyung nagpapahirap sa ordinaryong mamamayan.
At huwag nating hayaang mawala ang ating kakayahang magtanong, maningil, at manindigan para sa tama at katotohanan.
Because democracy does not survive on silence.
It survives when people choose to care.
When people choose to speak.
And when people choose to hold power accountable.

Kaya saan man tayo dalhin ng buhay—sa gobyerno, paaralan, opisina, komunidad, o anumang propesyon—sana piliin nating maging mga taong may integridad.

Mga taong marunong manindigan para sa katotohanan.
Mga taong handang magsabi ng “hindi” kahit mas madaling manahimik.
At sana, sa gitna ng lahat ng krisis na hinaharap ng ating bansa, piliin nating maging bahagi ng solusyon.

Dahil ang Pilipinas ay hindi lamang nangangailangan ng matatalinong tao.
Kailangan nito ng mga mamamayang may konsensiya, pananagutan, at tapang na ipaglaban ang mas makatarungan at makataong lipunan.
Hindi tayo nagtapos upang umangat lamang sa buhay.
Nagtapos tayo upang mag-angat ng buhay. “

𝗥𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘇 𝗝. 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗼
BA Political Science major in Government and Politics
Batch 2026
Class Valedictorian
St. Ignatius of Loyola Gold Medallion Award
Bro. Sergio Adriatico, SJ Gold Medallion “Fifth Pillar” Award
Silver Achievement Award
Cum Laude