Pasay Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo were cited in a 2026 governance assessment by RPMD Foundation Inc. as among the Philippines’ top-rated and most trusted city mayors, highlighting their strong public approval and performance records.
The foundation said its “Boses ng Bayan” survey used an Index of Governance based on trust and job performance.
Robredo, who now leads Naga City, has ordered a citywide performance review aimed at aligning government work with measurable outcomes and accountability, reflecting her administration’s focus on responsive service and continuous improvement.
Pasay City, under Rubiano, has also been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other government bodies for good local governance and efficient leadership, including earlier recognition tied to the Seal of Good Local Governance.
In Pasay, Rubiano’s administration has highlighted reforms in financial administration, health services, business-friendliness, social protection and local responsiveness, areas that helped the city earn continuing recognition from national agencies.
She also spearheaded the development of Pasay Eco City, which the city government describes as the country’s first truly sustainable Eco City. City records and government reports also note Pasay’s strong performance in competitiveness and compliance measures, including a government efficiency ranking in the DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.
Robredo’s office said the baseline assessment covers all departments and units of the Naga City government, with the goal of identifying reforms, eliminating redundancy and ensuring that programs directly serve the public. The move reflects the governance style that helped define her national political profile, including her vice presidential term, when she became associated with transparency, accountability and people-centered service.
Both women have built public reputations around governance, service delivery and civic recognition, though they lead different cities in separate stages of their careers.
Robredo served as vice president from 2016 to 2022 before returning to local government, while Rubiano is Pasay’s first female mayor.
Robredo was honored with TOFA’s Global Award for Courage of Conviction in Los Angeles in 2023, while Rubiano was included among TOFA’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the World during the awards’ 15th anniversary in Las Vegas in 2025.
