Section 448 of the Local Government Code on the Role of the City, states that "the city, consisting of more urbanized and developed barangays, serves as a general-purpose government for the coordination and delivery of basic, regular, and direct services and effective governance of the inhabitants within its territorial jurisdiction."

Tuguegarao City chooses to be a City of Excellence for Education, Commerce and Culture. However, it is also recognized that the city has to be either outstanding or competent in infrastructure and architecture, livelihood development, agricultural modernization, research and development, information technology, culture and fashion, leisure and entertainment, and total human development.

The difficulties and obstacles had to be prevailed upon, the controversies resolved and the facilities and services delivered. At year-end, over and above the gratification experienced with the improvement of the living conditions of the vulnerable groups and the joy and pleasure for the achievements of the Tuguegaraoeños, most especially those of the children, Tuguegarao City received the following awards for CY 2002:

The excellent performance of Tuguegarao City stems from the harmonious teamwork of the Executive and the Legislative branches. Though dichotomous, the two branches of the City Government maintain and intensify a unique symbiosis that generates a valuable synergy, which in turn, feeds the accelerating development momentum of Tuguegarao City.

The Local Government Leadership Award

The Local Government Leadership Award (LGLA) highlights and promotes the qualities, skills and strategies of a good leader in local governance for replication and inspiration for other leaders. It is a partnership of Senator Pimentel, the Philippine Senate, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Local Government Academy and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Hon. Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr., the father of the Local Government Code (RA 7160) said, " The Local Government Leadership Award gives recognition to the very significant role local leaders has played in the past eleven years of decentralization. We want to encourage local leaders to excel and be creative in improving the quality of life of their constituents. The LGLA is part of our continuing commitment to the empowerment of local governments that we started in the 8th Congress."

Of the 114 Philippine City Mayor's, Hon. Mayor Randolph S. Ting was proclaimed one among the five 2002 LGLA Outstanding City Mayors of the Philippines.

He was nominated by the President of the University of Saint Louis, Engr. Rosalinda P. Valdepeñas, Ph. D..