By David Vera
Tacloban City celebrates 16 years of growth and transformation as a Highly Urbanized City (HUC), a milestone reflecting the collective efforts, resilience, and dedication of its people. Proclaimed as an HUC by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on October 4, 2008, and ratified by the people through a plebiscite on December 18, 2008, Tacloban has steadily emerged as a thriving regional hub.
Since achieving HUC status, Tacloban has experienced significant growth and development. In 2022, the city recorded a 13.8% economic growth rate, the highest among the seven economies in the Eastern Visayas region.Â
This economic expansion is attributed to the robust performance of the services sector and substantial infrastructure projects. Tacloban serves as the regional center of Eastern Visayas, playing a pivotal role in trade, commerce, education, culture, and tourism.Â
Under the leadership of Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Tacloban has been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) six times, reflecting its commitment to excellence in governance, financial efficiency, and service delivery.Â
The city’s population has grown steadily, reaching 251,881 according to the 2020 census, making it the most populous city in the region.