Three Cebu Cities Named Among Philippines' Safest Destinations for 2026
In a significant boost for regional tourism, three major cities in Cebu have been included in the list of the safest places to visit in the Philippines for 2026, according to the latest report from the World Travel Index (WTI). This recognition underscores the efforts of these urban centers in enhancing security and infrastructure to attract travelers.
Top Performers in Cebu
Mandaue City leads the group, securing the 14th spot nationally with a score of 67.85 percent. It is closely followed by Lapu-Lapu City in 17th place at 62.45 percent, and Cebu City in 26th place with 53.15 percent. These cities are part of the prestigious "Safest Cities to Visit in 2026 – Philippines" ranking, which evaluates destinations based on multiple safety criteria.
On a global scale, the three Cebu cities achieved rankings of 1,899th, 2,201st, and 2,559th, respectively, positioning them competitively in international travel safety assessments.
Importance of Safety Rankings
The WTI emphasizes that cities with higher rankings and scores demonstrate better safety conditions, making them more attractive to both local and foreign tourists. "This ranking shows which cities offer the best conditions for safety during travel. The better the ranking and the higher the score, the safer the city is. Conversely, the lower the ranking and score, the less safe the city may be," stated the WTI in its report.
The list, based on data from April 2026, assigns weight to destinations that provide favorable security for travelers. Key factors considered include crime rates, public safety measures, infrastructure quality, and overall visitor experiences.
National Top 10 and Other Notable Cities
Dumaguete City tops the national list with an impressive 82.28 percent, followed by Davao City at 79.22 percent, and Balanga City in Bataan with 76.71 percent. Other cities in the top 10 include Bulacan, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Lucena, Naga, Makati, and Las Piñas, all scoring above 70 percent.
Additional cities featured in the ranking are Legazpi City (11th), Butuan (12th), Ormoc (13th), Iloilo (15th), and San Fernando (16th). The list also includes Olongapo, Santa Rosa, Tarlac City, Angeles City, Cainta, Calamba, Bacolod City, Mandaluyong City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Cavite City, Batangas City, Valenzuela, Quezon, and Manila, which holds the 30th position with 35.88 percent.
This comprehensive ranking highlights the diverse safety landscape across the Philippines, encouraging tourists to consider these safer destinations for their travel plans in 2026.
