Bayambang: The local government of Bayambang is aiming for the town's conversion into a component city of Pangasinan. Special assistant to the Mayor, Dr. Cezar Quiambao, highlighted the progress towards cityhood in an interview, mentioning that the town has already met the minimum required total land area of 168 sq. km., surpassing the 100 sq. km. requirement under Republic Act 9009. However, the town still falls short of the required income.

According to Philippines News Agency, Quiambao explained that the new law requires an average local revenue of PHP400 million for the past three years, but Bayambang has only achieved above PHP300 million. Despite this, Bayambang has been a first-class municipality since the 18th Congress and has expressed its intent for conversion.

In 2021, a resolution approved by Quiambao, then town mayor, and passed by the Sangguniang Bayan requested Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rosemarie Arenas to file a bill in Congress to convert the municipality into a component city. The resolution pointed to the town's economic stability and its status as one of the most urbanized and competitive local governments in the Ilocos Region.

The conversion is expected to enhance Bayambang's ability to build infrastructure and improve services such as education, health, and disaster management. In 2023, Senator Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill 1790 to convert Bayambang into a city, which would allow it to retain real property tax collections and establish local ordinances to boost revenue.

Quiambao expressed optimism that new investments, including the four-hectare Blue Sky Theme Park and Events Center, part of a 67-hectare investment hub, would strengthen Bayambang's cityhood bid. The PHP2.5 billion Bayambang Metro development, featuring a theme park, hotels, and commercial zones, is expected to be completed in five years, further boosting the local economy.