Cities have always been the predominant centers of political power, economic growth, educational and cultural advancement, and technological innovation. However, rapid urbanization and growth of metropolitan cities, especially in developing countries, have resulted in various challenges that national and local governments and institutions fail to address completely. Against this background, small- and medium-sized cities are becoming the new growth nodes of the country. Batangas City in the Philippines is a medium-sized city located near the Metro Manila region. This article provides an overview of the urbanization of Batangas City with special reference to its social, economic, and urban characteristics and its pressing challenges. The study highlights the current state of Batangas City with an emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health, education, and urban sustainability. Finally, the article attempts to conclude whether the city is gearing towards a learning, healthy and sustainable Batangas City.