To address longstanding urban challenges in Naga, Mayor Leni Robredo has tapped a team of Manila-based urban planners to help rationalize the use of city-owned facilities, manage traffic congestion, and bring order to public spaces, especially those now heavily occupied by roadside vendors. “We need to make sure that every government facility is properly organized so their efficiency is not hampered. Right now, we are facing issues brought by disorganized parking, uncontrolled/unregulated street vending, traffic congestion, and newly constructed buildings that were not developed under a comprehensive plan,” Robredo said. The mayor and the urban planning team began their site inspections on Friday, July 11, starting at the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH), where they assessed the layout and functionality of buildings within the Balatas Development Complex. Hospital staff showed them the location of the Outpatient Department (OPD), which is situated more than a hundred meters from the hospital’s main building. Robredo noted the inefficient setup, pointing out that the OPD’s distance from the main hospital building inconveniences patients, especially during inclement weather, and affects the overall service delivery. She added that food from the hospital kitchen—located separately—is currently being transported by carts, a practice deemed unacceptable by the urban planners. “This is why we are pushing for rationalization in how these buildings are used. Every structure here should complement the others so that all offices and services function seamlessly,” Robredo stressed. The team also visited Liboton Street, a four-lane stretch being considered as a pilot area for a new street design focused on pedestrian and bicycle mobility. Robredo said the proposed layout, being finalized in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), will dedicate more space to walkways and bike lanes—an initiative aimed at promoting alternative mobility and easing vehicular traffic in the city. “The design will encourage more people to walk and use bicycles. That means less traffic congestion and a healthier lifestyle for our citizens,” she said. The final stop of the site inspection was Barangay Dinaga, where the elevated Naga River Esplanade will soon rise. The esplanade, stretching from Danlugan near the Naga City People’s Mall to Panganiban Bridge and further to Magsaysay Bridge near the Peñafrancia Basilica, is set to begin construction with Phase 1 funding already downloaded. Mayor Robredo emphasized that the esplanade will not only boost local tourism and provide scenic, shaded walking paths lined with trees—it will also double as a flood control measure. Once completed, the four-phase project will allow pedestrians to travel a long stretch from downtown to the Basilica without using congested main roads. “This will encourage more people to walk, and walking is one of the best and healthiest habits we can promote in a growing city like ours,” she said. Robredo said she is awaiting detailed recommendations from the urban planners, which will guide the city government in crafting long-term solutions to urban congestion and facility planning. | via Jason B. Neola

The Youth Leaders paid visit to the Office of the Governor as it promotes La Union Agkaysa. A productive meeting with the active SK Presidents of different towns headed by Hon. Harold Sibuma, working together for youth empowerment and inclusive progress to build a better future for the next generation in the province. 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐨!

By Rachel Magday   In furtherance of providing the best service to the people of Nueva Vizcaya, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has introduced a dedicated team of two receptionists at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol. This initiative is part of his commitment to ensure that citizens seeking assistance or submitting resolutions and requests at the capitol receive proper attention and service. Governor Gambito emphasized the importance of having dedicated staff to promptly address the needs of the public. “We want to ensure that every Novo Vizcayano who approaches various offices in the provincial government experiences efficient and timely service,” the governor stated. He frequently reminds all employees to be cordial to visitors, emphasizing that the people are the true bosses, as their taxes fund the salaries of government employees. The newly appointed receptionists will primarily be responsible for providing information, guidance, and directions to visitors at the capitol. They will also serve as the first point of contact for citizens with inquiries or those needing assistance regarding their submitted documents or requests. This initiative is part of a broader program by the provincial government aimed at ensuring the best public service system in Nueva Vizcaya. Gambito hopes that through such measures, the government will be more accessible to the people, and the delivery of services to every Novo Vizcayano will be more effective. The governor continues to encourage residents to share their suggestions and concerns to further improve public services in the province.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in partnership with its public and private sector partners, is planning to expand the road interchange connecting Luisita Access Road in Tarlac City to the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), in an effort to decongest traffic, improve regional mobility, and unlock new investment and employment opportunities in the region. During a joint site inspection on 04 July 2025, BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, Tarlac Governor Christian Tell A. Yap, Tarlac Vice Governor Lita Aquino and other key stakeholders assessed the proposed construction site for additional entry and exit ramps that will complete the SCTEX Luisita interchange’s connectivity, and provide vital access points  for motorists coming to and from the north. Currently, the interchange only provides passage for motorists driving to and from the south. “The Luisita Interchange Expansion is a vital step toward unlocking Tarlac’s full economic potential. By improving regional mobility and access to key industrial zones and new townships, we are not only easing travel for motorists but also paving the way for greater investments, jobs, and inclusive growth in Central Luzon,” said Engr. Bingcang. The proposed construction of the new Luisita interchange will help ease travel for motorists heading to and from the northern part of Luzon, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity in the region. It will also reduce congestion along the MacArthur Highway and adjacent roads in Tarlac. Expanding the interchange will also provide vital access to industrial hubs and township developments in the province, such as Luisita Industrial Park, Central Techno Park, Cresendo Estates, and TARI Estate. Ultimately, this will boost the competitiveness of Central Luzon as an investment destination, driving more economic activities and unlocking more employment opportunities for local communities. The Luisita Interchange Expansion is a strategic upgrade that strengthens SCTEX’s role as a key corridor in Central Luzon. The project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” program and the vision for seamless multimodal transport across Luzon. The project will also contribute to the government’s efforts to support connectivity along the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will help position the region as a strategic manufacturing and electronics hub.      

The provincial government Quezon headed by Gov. Doktora Helen Tan, in partnership with Giga ACE 6 Corporation, leads the implementation of the added 2.57 kilometers of Barangay Pandan-Masikap Farm-to-Market Road (15.57 KM) in Real, Quezon. Once completed, the road will not only enhance connectivity to the renewable energy site but will also improve access to markets for locals.  

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos on Monday met with officials from the Provincial Government of Isabela to learn about Governor Rodito T. Albano’s flagship programs focused on agriculture, education, health, and enterprise development. The Isabela delegation presented a range of initiatives, including the Isabela Rice Assistance Program, Isabela Rice Processing Center, Seasonal Farm Workers Program, and the Isabela Recovery Initiatives to Support Enterprises (I-RISE). Other programs highlighted were BRO for Education, Sagip Mata, Sagip Buhay Program, and the Busog Lusog Milk Feeding Program. The delegation also presented an overview of the province of Isabela, highlighting its demographic profile, economic strengths, tourism potential, and agricultural productivity. They also shared Provincial Government of Isabela’s organizational structure, emphasizing how its streamlined government system enables efficient program implementation and effective service delivery. The Isabela delegation included Provincial Information Officer and Head Executive Assistant Atty. Elizabeth C. Binag, Public Employment Service Office Manager Cecilia Claire N. Reyes, Provincial Human Resource Management Officer Janette A. Castillejo, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lalaine C. Delmendo, and Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Arlene A. Castillo. Marcos expressed particular interest in forging closer ties with the province of Isabela to explore joint initiatives and exchange best practices in governance and development. (Isabela PIO)

  GEN.LUNA,Quezon — Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gov. Doktora Helen Tan, nakompleto na ang San Vicente-Malaya Farm-to-Market Road sa bayan ng General Luna. Mula sa nasimulang proyekto ng Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), sinikap ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Quezon na tapusin ang kalsada sa kabila ng kakulangan sa pondo. Ang farm-to-market road na ito ay may habang limang (5) kilometro na lubos na mapakikinabangan ng pitong barangay; San Vicente, San Nicolas, Sumilang, Nieva, Recto, Magsaysay, at Malaya. “’Yung trade of course, mabilis na nilang mailalabas ang produkto nila. And imagine mo dati naglalakad kayo [mga residente] ganu’n kalayo,” saad ni Gov. Tan. Mapapagaan din ang byahe dahil magko-konekta ang kalsada na ito sa mga bayan ng Catanauan at Lopez. Dagdag pa ng Gobernadora, malaking tulong ang pagpapaikli ng oras ng biyahe sa mga batang nag-aaral at sa mga may sakit na residente.