By Jason Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga is set to conduct summits on solid waste management and traffic in January 2026 as part of its efforts to address pressing urban concerns through inclusive and participatory planning. Through its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), the city is pursuing the conduct of a “Basura Summit” that will bring together key sectors and stakeholders to help shape the city’s plan for the full implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. The law mandates local government units to adopt sustainable solid waste management practices, including segregation at source, waste reduction, recycling, composting, and proper disposal through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and the use of sanitary landfills. Mayor Leni Robredo said the participation of all concerned sectors is essential to come up with a proper, thorough, well-organized, and systematic approach to waste collection, management, and disposal in the city, as required by law. She stressed that LGUs are required not only to enforce waste segregation at source and promote recycling and composting, but also to establish their own MRFs to support effective waste management. Expected to take part in the Basura Summit are the Punong Barangays and other village officials from Naga City’s 27 barangays, representatives from public and private schools, commercial establishments, hospitals, and other key stakeholders. Meanwhile, Robredo formally received on Friday, December 26, 2025, one unit of compactor and one unit of wheel loader donated by United Auctioneers Inc. According to SWMO head Engr. Joel Martin, the heavy equipment will play a vital role in strengthening the city’s waste management operations. In addition to the waste summit, the city is also preparing for a Traffic Summit aimed at addressing traffic concerns through a collaborative and data-driven approach. Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba said they are now finalizing the schedule of the traffic summit in coordination with Engr. Edmer Flores of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), along with other key sectors and stakeholders. Robredo said that, similar to the Basura Summit, broad participation from Naga City constituents is crucial, as traffic solutions require public ownership and cooperation. Earlier, teams of city planners and personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) visited Naga City upon the mayor’s invitation to assist in crafting effective and workable traffic management strategies. Both groups are expected to present their recommendations in the coming weeks.

By Ruben A.Veloria ZAMBALES, Philippines– Participating international scouting leaders and heads unanimously gave the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree with an excellent rating, and a very successful experience to all participants. The remarks were conveyed by the National Scout Organizations of the Asia-Pacific Regional (APR) Scout Committee to Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the designated Camp Chief of the 33rd APR Scout Jamboree, which was held in Scout Camp Kainomayan in Botolan, Zambales. Unit leaders and contingent heads of the international delegations mentioned that among the “excellent jobs” notable during the duration of the jamboree were the security, cleanliness, availability of emergency response units in each of six sub-camps, continuous water and power supplies, and well-coordinated activities for each day. Bharat Scouts and Guides unit leader Sathyajit Chatterji of India said, “Security is very visible and friendly. Security vehicles are always ready to give free rides to scout leaders in going to their destinations.” He also noted that security officers were escorting the scout leaders when they go out of the camp. Sri Lanka Scout Association contingent head Sanjaikumar Riyath appreciated Police Regional (R3) Director P/BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., for providing police escorts since their arrival in Manila and in going to their designated Sub-Camp Daza, in Scout Camp Kainomayan, Botolan, Zamabales. Meanwhile, Muslim delegations expressed their gratitude to Camp Chief Gov. Ebdane and co-leaders from Boy Scout of the Philippines for providing Muslims of Halal foods, permissible for Muslims under Islamic law which are free from forbidden pork, alcohol, and blood. “The camp serves Halal foods for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and there is also the religious village where everyone can spent time to pray and for reflection. An excellent jamboree camp,” said Tamara Al Ihsan, contingent head of the Gerakan Pramuka of Indonesia. For Pathfinder Scouts of Vietnam head Hoang Lam, he highly appreciated the security provided to all the delegates. “They secure the main gate of the Scout Camp site, and there are also securities at the gates of the sub-camps. Very secured, the delegates can relax outdoor or leave their things in the tent without fear,” he added. The Scout Association of Mongolia contingent head Narangarav Jambaltseren told the Scout Committee that he saw all delegates are so happy, especially his members. “They are so happy to be scouts and joined the 33rd APR Jamboree here in Zambales. A really best experience as a scout,” he said. For his part, Camp Chief Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. congratulated the members of the scouting committee who volunteered to help make the 33rd APRS Jamboree concluded with overwhelming success. “Congratulations,” Gov. Ebdane said addressing the local and international delegations. “It has been our privilege to host the 33rd APR Jamboree. We have succeeded to put a show that with our limited resources, we have put up something unbelievable and we did it,” he added. Prior to the opening of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree, Gov. Ebdane, has sent-off a composite contingent of around 700 personnel from PNP, Bureau of Fires, Phil. Coast Guard, Phil. Army, PNP SWAT, in Camp Kainomayan to perform security details under the supervision of Police Regional (R3) Dir. P/BGen. Peñones. The closing ceremony held at the Camp Zambales Grand Arena where the 25,000 scout leaders gathered for the last time, marking the successful week-long activities promoting friendship and camaraderie, teaching skills, enhancing leadership qualities, and understanding cultures and religion. PHOTO: Mental and Physical Fitness. Scout leaders underwent several legs of obstacle course, one of many activities held during the 33rd Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in Botolan, Zambales which ended last week.(RAV)

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Nueva Vizcaya has denied a motion for inhibition filed by accused Florentino Daynos in a criminal case arising from the barricading of public roads linked to a mineral exploration project involving Woggle Corp. In its order, the court ruled that the motion failed to establish any legal or factual basis to warrant the inhibition of the presiding judge. Court records show that the case originated from incidents involving the unauthorized erection of barricades along public roads in Dupax del Norte, which authorities said obstructed the passage of vehicles and equipment. Law enforcement personnel intervened following reports that the barricades restricted access to public thoroughfares. Daynos, identified in the case as one of the individuals leading opposition activities against the project, was subsequently charged in connection with the incidents. In denying the motion, the RTC reiterated that judicial inhibition is not a matter of right and must be supported by clear and convincing evidence of bias, prejudice, or personal interest. The court stressed that mere allegations or disagreement with previous court actions do not meet the legal standard for disqualification. The RTC further cited established Supreme Court doctrine that judges are presumed to act with regularity and impartiality in the performance of their duties unless proven otherwise. Finding no showing of personal, pecuniary, or other disqualifying interest on the part of the presiding judge, the court ordered the proceedings to continue in the interest of the speedy disposition of cases. It also cautioned against the filing of motions that could unduly delay trial. For its part, Woggle Corp. said it respects the court’s ruling and reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through due process and the orderly administration of justice. (PR)