OF 1,000 cities worldwide, Angeles City ranks 388th in the latest Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, marking one of the most significant improvements with a leapfrog of 100 places from its 488th standing in 2025.
The latest ranking also placed the city at No. 2 among the nine Philippine cities included in the index, up from third place in the previous edition, behind only Manila at No. 174, and ahead of Davao City at No. 470, and Cebu City at No. 474.
The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index assesses 1,000 cities around the world based on five major dimensions of urban performance: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.
Angeles City posted an overall score of 47.0 in the 2026 index.
The city’s 100-place climb provides a global indicator of the continuing development and competitiveness of Angeles City.
Beyond the numerical improvement, the ranking places greater attention on the city’s performance across areas that contribute to a city’s ability to grow and provide opportunities for its population, namely: economic activity, the development of human capital, quality of life, environmental conditions, and the effectiveness of governance.
The latest result also reflects the importance of sustained investments and initiatives that strengthen public services, support local economic activity, improve community conditions, develop people and skills, and promote responsible urban development.
The achievement comes amid continuing efforts by the city government led by Mayor Carmelo “Jon” B. Lazatin II to improve services and create an environment where residents, businesses, workers, students, and communities can participate in and benefit from the city’s growth.
The city’s development agenda places emphasis on strengthening basic and social services, creating opportunities for Angeleños, supporting local industries and enterprises, improving public facilities and systems, protecting the environment, and making government services more accessible to communities.
The latest global ranking provides another reference point for measuring the city’s progress while also highlighting the areas where Angeles City can continue to improve.
For the Angeles City, the recognition is not an endpoint, but an opportunity to sustain the gains already achieved and further strengthen the city’s foundations for long-term and inclusive growth.
The rise of Angeles City in the Oxford Economics ranking is also a reflection of the people who contribute to the city’s development every day.
From entrepreneurs and workers to educators, students, professionals, community leaders, government employees, and ordinary Angeleños, the city’s progress is shaped by the collective efforts of its people.
The city’s growing position in the global index reinforces Angeles City’s potential as an important urban center in the Philippines and highlights its increasing presence in the international conversation on cities and development.
With the city now ranked No. 388 globally and No. 2 in the Philippines, Angeles City continues to build on its momentum while working toward stronger economic opportunities, improved quality of life, sustainable development, and responsive governance.
The Angeles City Government, together with its stakeholders and communities, will continue working to ensure that the city’s growth translates into meaningful and lasting benefits for Angeleños.
From No. 488 to No. 388 worldwide, Angeles City continues to move forward—driven by the work, aspirations, and collective efforts of its people.