By Sally A. Altea   LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — The Albay provincial government is prepared to assist residents affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, Governor Noel Rosal said Tuesday. Rosal said the assistance will include food, medical supplies, and water. “As far as the provincial government is concerned, we are ready (to help),” Rosal said. He said that the provincial government has a calamity fund to support disaster response operations but may need additional resources if the volcano’s activity continues for several months. Unlike typhoons, which typically require one or two days of sustained response, the situation at Mayon may necessitate prolonged assistance, especially for families in evacuation centers, he noted. “Our standard operating procedure is to use our calamity fund. During typhoons, we can sustain the response for at least one or two days. But with Mayon, we do not know how long the situation will last. It could take months, so we are asking for assistance,” Rosal said. The provincial government is also receiving support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which is providing food assistance to evacuees and augmenting the province’s relief resources. “What is good now is that the DSWD is already backing us up. This is a big help in providing food, so we no longer have to purchase food supplies ourselves,” Rosal said. As of the latest report from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, 1,083 families were staying in evacuation centers. To address other essential needs, the provincial government is mobilizing additional assistance, particularly medical supplies and water. “We are mobilizing assistance for medical needs, while the Apsemo is on standby in case they need additional water supplies,” Rosal said, referring to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office. Meanwhile, Rosal said the province would continue to accommodate tourism-related activities, conventions, meetings and events while strictly enforcing restrictions within the volcano’s 6-kilometer danger zone. He clarified that activities such as all-terrain vehicle tours remain prohibited within the restricted area. Rosal urged Albayanos to remain calm and observe safety guidelines as authorities continue to monitor Mayon’s activity. “Stay calm, stay safe. We are closely monitoring the Mayon activities,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the national government’s continued assistance to affected communities, particularly evacuees and farmers. Rosal acknowledged the support of the Office of Civil Defense and the DSWD in implementing the President’s directives. “We are doing everything we can to maintain zero casualties,” he said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)      

NAGA CITY, Philippines – Acting on a directive issued by Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo months ago, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has intensified further its information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to raise public awareness of the impending prolonged drought, its potential adverse effects, and the necessary measures residents must take to conserve water and prepare for possible shortages. The campaign comes as the city braces for the effects of the anticipated Super El Niño, which could further deplete groundwater reserves and reduce the water flowing from creeks and other sources originating from Mt. Isarog. Raynor Rodriguez, CDRRMO chief, urged residents to start conserving water despite the continued availability of water in their homes, warning that many might not fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation until their faucets begin to run dry. Rodriguez said intermittent rainfall should not be taken as an assurance that Naga City will be spared from the effects of El Niño. Although rain occasionally falls over the city, he explained that the volume may not be sufficient to replenish groundwater reserves, particularly given the limited rainfall recorded in October. He added that the decline in groundwater levels is difficult to quantify precisely because the depletion occurs beneath the surface and cannot be readily observed. Rodriguez also clarified that El Niño can occur alongside the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as amihan, as well as localized thunderstorms and typhoons. The occurrence of rain, therefore, does not necessarily mean that the effects of prolonged dry conditions have been averted. To help households conserve water, Rodriguez encouraged residents to use a basin when washing dishes instead of allowing water to run continuously from the faucet. He estimated that a household could save at least one liter of water per dishwashing session by adopting this simple practice. If 50,000 households each saved one liter per session, the city could conserve approximately 50,000 liters in one round of dishwashing. Assuming each household washes dishes three times daily, the potential savings could reach 150,000 liters a day. Robredo said widespread adoption of water-saving practices could help slow the depletion of available water sources as the city prepares for the anticipated dry spell. Based on weather forecasts cited by the mayor, the effects of Super El Niño could begin affecting Naga City in November and become more pronounced in December and January 2027. She warned that if drought conditions persist for three months, households could experience inadequate water supplies even if the city’s water sources do not completely dry up. The Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) has reported that water availability has already declined by approximately 30 percent as of November, underscoring the need for early conservation measures. Meanwhile, Rodriguez said the city government is also preparing water containers, including drums intended for distribution to residents for emergency use, particularly during incidents such as fires. However, he acknowledged that procuring the drums has become difficult because of high demand. The CDRRMO is urging residents to adopt water conservation practices now rather than wait until supply shortages become more severe. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head              

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Residents’ strong participation continues to mark the city government’s information campaign on Naga’s proposed conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC). Through barangay assemblies and sector-based gatherings, city officials and employees have brought the discussion directly to communities. The sessions explain the benefits of HUC status, address concerns, and clear up misconceptions regarding HUC status. Led by Mayor Leni Robredo, the campaign uses video presentations and open question-and-answer sessions so that residents’ questions, feedback, and apprehensions are answered openly. Robredo said taking the campaign to each barangay and sector gives residents a chance to raise their concerns and have them explained. During a press conference on Monday, Robredo said it is better to take the campaign to every barangay and sector, where residents’ concerns, complaints, and suggestions on the HUC conversion can be gathered, explained, and made clear to them. The city government has held numerous barangay assemblies and sector meetings, including with senior citizens, with more scheduled before the plebiscite. Robredo said the response from residents has been encouraging. “Maogma dahil tarabang, pero si sense of community dakula, makusog,” the mayor emphasized. The plebiscite will be held on November 21, Saturday, with voting from 8 AM to 3 PM. Vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens and pregnant women, may vote early from 5 AM. Nagueños are encouraged to vote, as the city government continues to take the discussion to every barangay and sector so that Nagueños can make an informed choice prior to the upcoming plebiscite. | via Maida Boragay

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo welcomed two new rainwater catchment systems that will give residents of Barangay Sabang, a community with limited water supply, a way to store and draw water as the city prepares for a possible El Niño dry spell. The two systems, installed on Monday, are a project of non-profit groups Waves for Water and Angat Buhay, working alongside the city government. Each holds 2,000 liters, for a combined 4,000 liters of capacity. In a Facebook post, Robredo thanked Waves for Water, led by Country Director Patrick Manuel, and Angat Buhay for the project. She said the facilities give residents more than one way to get water, since they can draw not only from rainwater but also from a jetmatic or a deep well, rather than from the city’s piped supply. To make that easier, some of the units come with a solar-powered electric pump, which Robredo said eases the work of drawing water. “May kaibanan na solar-powered electric pump para dai mapagal an pagsakdo. Tamang tama sa mga lugar na nawawaran tubig,” she said. The project was also a community effort. Residents helped build the systems through bayanihan, according to Waves for Water, which said this gave them a shared sense of ownership. The installation comes as the country braces for a drier season. Waves for Water said the project is part of its anticipatory action ahead of El Niño, noting that in September 2026 the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) identified Camarines Sur among the provinces at risk of severe drought. Meanwhile, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Raynor Rodriguez said collected rainwater is meant for household uses that do not require drinking-quality water. “Ang purpose po kaya magamit na po duman sa mga pangangaipuhan sa harong na dai naman kaipuhan inumon—so si paglimpya po sa pambubo sa banyo, paglimpya po sa garahe,” Rodriguez said. He added that El Niño reduces rainfall but does not stop it entirely, and urged residents to conserve water, including by using a basin instead of running water when washing dishes. | via Maida Boragay

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo welcomed warmly the prospect of tapping the National Academy of Sports (NAS) to help strengthen grassroots sports development in Naga City, recognizing the institution’s potential to nurture young athletic talents by providing them with opportunities to excel in sports while pursuing their education. The initiative aligns with her administration’s commitment to helping children discover and develop their athletic abilities at an early age, opening pathways for promising young Nagueños to reach their full potential. The National Academy of Sports (NAS) has invited young Nagueños, particularly incoming Grade 7 and Grade 8 students, to apply for its scholarship program for School Year 2027–2028, opening opportunities for academically capable and athletically talented children to pursue education while developing their sporting skills. Michael John Tarronas, NAS supervising administrative officer, extended the invitation to the city’s children and youth, an initiative welcomed by Mayor Leni Robredo as consistent with her administration’s plan to strengthen grassroots sports development and nurture young athletic talents. The NAS program, called the NAS Annual Search for Competent, Exceptional, Notable and Talented Student-Athlete Scholars (NASCENT SAS), seeks to identify and provide scholarships to qualified Filipino youth from different sectors of society, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. Qualified applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens, meet the prescribed age requirements, maintain a general weighted average of at least 80 percent, demonstrate potential in their chosen sport, and be physically fit to undergo a rigorous athletic program. The academy’s focus sports include swimming, track and field, badminton, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, and weightlifting. Scholarship privileges include full tuition and miscellaneous fees, meals and accommodation, a monthly stipend, learning materials, sports uniforms and equipment, health and nutrition services, and access to sports facilities. Scholars may also receive support for participation in recognized local and international training and competitions, subject to applicable rules and funding availability. Applications for School Year 2027–2028 opened on October 7, 2026, with the deadline for submitting complete application documents set for March 5, 2027. Qualified applicants are expected to be announced in May 2027, while classes are scheduled to begin in June. For further information. Interested students and their parents may access the online application portal at National Academy of Sports Application Portal or contact the NAS Secretariat through nascentsas@nas.edu.ph The scholarship opportunity reinforces the importance of investing in young people by providing them with access to education and structured sports training, helping aspiring athletes develop their abilities and potentially represent the country in future competitions. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head  

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia has urged qualified voters in Naga City, particularly the youth, to participate in the November 21 plebiscite on the city’s proposed conversion into a highly urbanized city (HUC), stressing that the decision will help shape Naga’s future. Garcia was in Legazpi City on Friday, October 9, 2026, to meet with representatives of various government agencies, members of the local media, and other stakeholders during a coordinating conference for the November 21 HUC plebiscite in Naga City. In his message, Garcia said the plebiscite offers Nagueños an opportunity to decide on a development milestone that could give the city greater access to national government funding, a bigger National Tax Allocation (NTA), and increased revenue opportunities. These potential advantages could enable the city government to expand public services and implement more programs and projects for the benefit and welfare of Nagueños. Noting the importance of encouraging young people to participate in the plebiscite, Garcia said, “It is important to extend to the youth the opportunity of charting the destiny of Naga in the future.” He called on the city government to conduct a massive information and education campaign in the barangays to explain the importance of participating in the plebiscite, particularly to young voters. “It should be explained to them that the plebiscite is for their own good, they as the future of the city,” he added. Garcia emphasized that because Naga is an independent component city, only its qualified voters are entitled to participate in the plebiscite. He urged them not to miss the opportunity to help shape the city’s future, noting that voting day would be a no-classes, no-work day. The COMELEC chief also explained that the plebiscite would follow a plurality-vote system, under which the side receiving more votes wins. This means the YES vote would not need to obtain more than half of the total registered voters to prevail; it would need to receive more votes than the NO side. Garcia said he would consider a YES vote of around 65 to 70 percent a favorable result, although the outcome would ultimately depend on the votes cast by qualified Nagueños. He also discussed the funding needed to conduct the plebiscite, saying COMELEC would seek ways to provide the additional P30 million needed to augment the city government’s P20-million allocation and meet the estimated P50-million requirement. Garcia cited higher income and revenue, improved access to national government funding, and a larger NTA as among the potential advantages of HUC status. He noted that several cities aspire to attain the classification, although not all have succeeded. “There are lots of cities who wish to become an HUC, and there are lots also who did not succeed,” he said, underscoring the significance of the opportunity before Naga. With the plebiscite scheduled for November 21, Garcia urged qualified voters to understand the implications of the proposed conversion and make their voices heard. The decision will be made through the ballot, giving every qualified Nagueño an opportunity to help determine the city’s future. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Office head      

NAGA CITY, Philippines – Mayor Leni Robredo underscored her administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public office when she met with the ambassadors of Sweden, Finland, and Ukraine, who visited City Hall to learn about Naga’s governance practices, budget process, and public information initiatives. Robredo received on Monday, October 19, Ambassadors Anna Ferry of Sweden, Saija Nurminen of Finland, and Fediv Yuliia Oleksandrivna of Ukraine for discussions on good governance, transparency, and the evolving social media landscape. The mayor said the official visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on governance practices and demonstrate how her administration has been pursuing openness and public accountability as essential principles of local government. A key topic was the city government’s open budget portal, which makes budget information accessible to the public. The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader governance agenda under Robredo’s 2028 Finish Lines, which sets out her vision and priorities for Naga’s development. The discussions also highlighted the importance of making government processes understandable and accessible to citizens, allowing them to examine public spending and better appreciate how decisions are made. The visiting diplomats expressed admiration for the city government’s efforts to uphold the core principles of good governance. Before meeting with Robredo, the three ambassadors met with officers of the Nagap City People’s Council (NCPC), a local mechanism for civil society participation in governance that brings together nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs). The NCPC provides an avenue for citizens’ groups to participate in local development and public decision-making. Its recognition by the city government reinforces the principle that governance is a shared responsibility and that people’s participation is essential to local development and empowerment. The meetings highlighted two complementary dimensions of Naga’s governance framework: promoting transparency and accountability within government institutions and strengthening citizens’ participation in shaping local policies and development priorities. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head                    

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Greater access to national government funding, a larger National Tax Allocation (NTA) and expanded revenue opportunities are among the potential benefits awaiting Naga City if its proposed conversion into a highly urbanized city (HUC) is approved in the November 21 plebiscite, according to election officials. Atty. Maico Julia Jr., election officer IV of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Naga, said HUC status could help make the city more progressive and attract additional investments, creating opportunities to expand public services and finance development projects. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia likewise emphasized the importance of the plebiscite in determining Naga’s future, particularly for the younger generation, who will eventually shape the city’s development. “It is important to extend to the youth the opportunity of charting the destiny of Naga in the future,” Garcia said during a coordinating conference in Legazpi City on October 9. Garcia said voters should understand that the plebiscite directly concerns their interests and the city’s long-term prospects. He cited the potential for greater national government funding, a bigger NTA and additional revenue sources as opportunities that could strengthen Naga’s capacity to deliver public services and implement infrastructure and development programs. He noted that some cities aspire to become highly urbanized but do not succeed, underscoring the significance of the opportunity before Naga. The Comelec began printing ballots on October 19 at the National Printing Office in Quezon City for the November 21 plebiscite. The activity was open to accredited citizens’ arms, stakeholders and media representatives and livestreamed through the commission’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel. In preparation for the exercise, Comelec-Naga has scheduled a final coordinating conference on November 10 at the second-floor PAGCOR Event Center at the Balatas Development Complex. The meeting will bring together representatives of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Naga City government to finalize security, personnel and other operational arrangements. Garcia, Mayor Leni Robredo, Comelec commissioners and other officials will spearhead the conduct of the conference. Julia said the coordination would cover the police’s peace and order preparations, the deployment of teachers who will serve as election volunteers, their required training, and the Philippine Army’s security arrangements. The information and education campaign is also expected to intensify ahead of the plebiscite. The Comelec is conducting pulong-pulong in barangays to explain the voting process and the implications of HUC conversion. The campaign period runs from October 19 to November 19. The city government, meanwhile, is advocating a YES vote in support of the proposed conversion. Garcia explained that the plebiscite would be decided through a plurality-vote system, under which the side receiving more votes would prevail. A YES vote would therefore not need to obtain more than half of all registered voters, but would have to receive more votes than the NO side. Approximately 119,000 registered voters are expected to be eligible to participate, with turnout projected at around 70 percent, based on the figures provided by election officials. Voting on November 21 will begin with an early voting period from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Regular voting will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Julia also reminded registered voters of the importance of exercising their right to vote, warning that failure to vote in two consecutive elections could result in the removal of their names from the list of qualified voters, subject to applicable Comelec rules. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head    

By Sally Atento-Altea   LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — The provincial government of Albay is ramping up preparations for a “very strong” El Niño, focusing on water supply, irrigation, agricultural support, and information campaigns for farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers. Governor Noel Rosal stated that the provincial government is reallocating funds for irrigation projects planned for 2027. He said the focus will be on repairing and rehabilitating existing facilities to help farmers maintain crop production during dry spells. “For Albay, I realigned the funds and included some of the other development plans for irrigation in 2027,” Rosal said. The province also plans to provide fertilizer to help farmers maintain crop productivity despite unfavorable climatic conditions, he added. Rosal said that the provincial government has redirected approximately P25 million to support farmers and fisherfolk. There are plans to increase this allocation to P50 million and eventually to P100 million next year to sustain agricultural and fisheries programs, he added. Meanwhile, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) has prepared water trucks and water filtration machines for municipalities and barangays that may require assistance during prolonged dry spells. “Our water lorries and water filtration machines are already available. We need to prepare all of them so that if local government units request assistance, our equipment will be ready,” said Bobby Cristobal, the head of Apsemo. The provincial government is also enhancing information campaigns to help communities understand the potential effects of El Niño and adopt measures to protect their livelihoods. The Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) will conduct caravans in various city and municipal LGUs and communities to educate farmers and fisherfolk on managing the impact of prolonged dry conditions on agricultural production and fishing activities. “We will conduct an El Niño caravan and visit different local government units and communities to help our farmers and fisherfolk better understand its effects,” APAO officer-in-charge Daryl John Buenconsejo said. As part of its agricultural initiatives, the APAO is preparing cassava and sweet potato cuttings for distribution to farmers. These crops are generally more resilient to dry conditions compared to many other crops, offering farmers alternative planting options during periods of limited rainfall, according to Buenconsejo. As of October 5, Buenconsejo reported that over 400 farmers in Albay have been affected by the dry spell, including those growing rice, corn, and high-value crops. The Albay Veterinary Office is also encouraging livestock raisers to participate in scheduled information caravans aimed at educating them on measures to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry conditions on their animals. “If we schedule a caravan, please attend so we can inform you on what else can be done to minimize the effects of El Niño on your animals,” said veterinary office head Pancho Mella. The provincial government discussed these preparations during a special meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Oct. 5 at the Apsemo office in Albay. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)