25/05/2026
LEGAZPI CITY SOARS TO THE TOP: Bicol Urban Centers Unveil Massive Cash Surpluses in BLGF FY 2025 Wealth Rankings
LEGAZPI CITY - Bicol’s primary urban hubs have hit an exceptional fiscal high note, capping Fiscal Year 2025 with unprecedented liquidity reserves. Led by an outstanding multi-billion peso performance from Legazpi City, the region’s cities have established themselves as masters of strategic capital conservation and elite treasury management.
According to the preliminary Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE) issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), Bicol's cities have aggressively turned operational revenue streams into robust, readily deployable cash cushions. This financial strength ensures that local governments enter the current budget cycle fully capitalized to power transformative urban development and infrastructure expansions without relying heavily on debt.
Securing the crowning position as the undisputed liquidity powerhouse among Bicol’s cities is Legazpi City. The regional center registered an astounding year-end cash balance of Php 2,123.88 million out of its total current operating income of Php 2,125.28 million. Legazpi’s peerless income-to-cash retention metric reflects absolute precision in resource optimization, creating an enviable economic fortress for the city.
In a stunning second-place finish, Masbate City emerged as an elite financial manager, securing a massive year-end balance of Php 1,482.73 million. What makes Masbate City's achievement remarkably outstanding is that its ending cash reserves comfortably surpassed its total current operating income of Php 1,143.59 million. This phenomenal feat indicates incredible efficiency in converting past savings, non-income receipts, and capital inflows into tangible, liquid wealth.
The province of Albay showcased absolute dominance in the upper tiers of the rankings, as its component cities swept three out of the top four spots. Ligao City claimed the third position with a superb Php 1,429.54 million in cash reserves, also exceeding its annual operating income of Php 1,285.67 million. Tabaco City followed right behind in fourth, retaining a high-caliber cash balance of Php 1,300.16 million. Together, Albay's trio of cities represents a combined pool of over Php 4.8 billion in immediate liquid assets.
Naga City, the vital commercial engine of Camarines Sur, posted a strong financial foundation with an operating income of Php 2,024.84 million and an ending cash balance of Php 742.90 million to claim fifth place. Iriga City secured the sixth spot, ending the year with a liquid cushion of Php 288.59 million. Rounding out the elite group is Sorsogon City in seventh place, closing its fiscal accounts with a reliable asset pool of Php 271.54 million out of a robust Php 1,669.88 million revenue base—signaling extensive developmental investments made back into its local economy throughout the year.
The overall data reflect an extraordinary fiscal era for urban Bicol. With multiple cities successfully boosting their cash balances above or near their annual operational revenues, Bicol's local chief executives and city treasurers are proving that local public financial management can run with private-sector efficiency. These record-breaking balances guarantee optimal investment readiness to build cleaner, smarter, and more vibrant urban economies across the region.
Official FY 2025 Bicol City Wealth Rankings: Cash Reserves
(Ranked by Ending Fund/Cash Balance as per BLGF Preliminary Data)
1. Legazpi City,Albay - Php 2,123.88 M
2. Masbate City, Masbate - Php 1,482.73 M
3. Ligao City, Albay - Php 1,429.54 M
4. Tabaco City, Albay - Php 1,300.16 M
5. Naga City, Camarines Sur - Php 742.90 M
6. Iriga City, Camarines Sur - Php 288.59 M
7. Sorsogon City, Sorsogon - Php 271.54 M
