CAGAYAN de Oro City has once again been named one of the “Best Cities to Live In” in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025.
This marks the second time Cagayan de Oro has been included in the international ranking, which evaluates 1,000 cities worldwide across five performance categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance.
The Global Cities Index is a research tool developed to monitor and assess urban development globally, using measurable data on economic activity, employment, education, infrastructure, environmental practices, waste management, policy implementation, and institutional systems.
Cagayan de Oro’s inclusion was based on data reflecting its performance in these areas, meeting established criteria and thresholds. Evaluation factors included labor participation, institutional structure, access to services, environmental sustainability, and resource management.
The announcement was made by Oxford Economics, a global advisory firm specializing in economic and urban development analysis. The index is intended as a reference for policymakers, investors, and city planners.
Local officials and civil society groups welcomed the recognition, highlighting ongoing efforts in urban planning, infrastructure development, waste management, and access to education.
Sheila Lumbatan, chief of staff at the City Mayor’s Office, said public records show active collaboration between the government and private sector to align local policies with international standards.
The recognition comes amid heightened monitoring and evaluation of urban systems in the Philippines.
Cagayan de Oro joins other Southeast Asian cities demonstrating progress in system integration, population management, and land use planning.
City officials said the recognition is expected to help guide future urban strategies and attract interest from research institutions, policy think tanks, and development agencies.
“Cagayan de Oro will continue to operate within national regulations and urban policy frameworks,” Lumbatan said.
