By Rosalita Manlangit   DAET, Camarines Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has sent more than 19,000 workers from its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program to help public schools in the Bicol region get ready for classes starting on June 8. Speaking at Labo Elementary School in Camarines Norte on Wednesday, DOLE Regional Director Imelda Gatinao announced that DOLE is working with the Department of Education on this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which seeks to ensure that public schools are clean, safe, and prepared to welcome millions of students and teachers at the start of classes. As part of the partnership, DOLE Bicol has set aside P103 million to help run Brigada Eskwela and offer temporary jobs to 19,348 workers through its TUPAD program. According to Gatinao, the workers will help get the school ready by cleaning classrooms, managing waste, moving furniture and learning materials, clearing plants, landscaping, repainting, and doing other simple campus improvement tasks. She said the workers have been sent to more than 1,295 schools in Bicol, covering 12,105 classrooms. She added that the workers may be assigned for up to 10 days during Brigada Eskwela and other preparations. Each worker will receive P4,550 for their work, Gatinao added. At the same event, DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed his gratitude to those who provided support, such as national government agencies, banks, private individuals, and organizations in Camarines Norte, who gave in-kind and cash donations. “This Brigada Eskwela is what we need today: cooperation despite the many problems we are facing. If we help and support each other, these hardships will become lighter for us and our families,” he said. Emalyn Villaflores, 50, who supports her two grandchildren, expressed her appreciation for the DOLE-TUPAD program. She is one of the 76 TUPAD beneficiaries at Labo Elementary School. “It is encouraging that more people are working together, especially when they feel overwhelmed. We are here to help with the cleaning,” she said. She said that her earnings would significantly aid in covering her grandchildren’s school expenses.  (Reyjun Villamonte contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)    

The City of Naga in the Bicol Region has officially joined the ranks of the country’s highly urbanized cities (HUCs), becoming the 34th such city in the Philippines following a proclamation signed on Wednesday by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga formally initiated the city’s bid for highly urbanized city status through the adoption of Resolution No. 2026-078 on January 27, 2026, citing that the city had already met the statutory requirements, including the prescribed annual income and population threshold necessary for such classification. The milestone announcement coincided with the commemoration of the 68th birth anniversary of the late Jesse M. Robredo, widely regarded as the “Father of Good Governance” in the Philippines for his transformative leadership anchored on transparency, accountability, and people empowerment. The proclamation took center stage during the day’s activities, which included a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony honoring Robredo’s legacy. The event was led by his widow, Leni Robredo, alongside members of the Robredo family, including his elder brother Butch, as well as barangay officials, educators, students, local government employees, and representatives from national government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Department of Education. It was Mayor Robredo who formally announced to the public Naga’s elevation to HUC status, drawing applause from the gathered crowd. In his opening remarks, Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado Jr. underscored the enduring impact of Jesse Robredo’s leadership, particularly in fostering strong people’s participation in governance—a model that has since been replicated by many local government units across the country. Jesse Robredo served as mayor of Naga City for 19 years before his appointment as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III. In her message, Mayor Robredo expressed the family’s deep gratitude to Nagueños for their continued remembrance and affection for Jesse, noting the community’s unwavering support in commemorating both his birth and death anniversaries. The conferment of HUC status marks a historic chapter for Naga City, reflecting its sustained growth and development, as well as the enduring legacy of leadership that has shaped its governance. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160, specifically Rule VIII, Article 12, states that within 120 days from the declaration of the president of the Philippines, the Comelec shall conduct a plebiscite in the city proposed to be converted. I via Jason Neola, head CMO-Public Information Division.            

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government’s Urban Agriculture Program has been named among the national finalists in the Walang Gutom Awards 2025, earning recognition as one of the 20 finalists from 50 applicants nationwide before advancing to the final 10. While the program did not place among the top winners, the city will still receive a P1-million financial grant to support the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The SLP is designed to address involuntary hunger, particularly among malnourished children, by providing sustainable sources of food and income for vulnerable communities. The city’s Urban Agriculture Program traces its roots to 2017 through the Integrated Community Food Production Project (ICFP). It was sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic under City Ordinance 2020-095, ensuring continuous food production efforts at the community level. Under the program, Barangay Agricultural Technicians plant, grow and monitor the progress of assorted vegetable seedlings distributed by the City Agriculture Office and oversee the maintenance of barangay-based nurseries. City Agriculturist Ernesto Asence III said that for a targeted approach in the implementation of the Urban Agriculture Program, the City Agriculture Office coordinates with the City Population and Nutrition Office in the identification of households with undernourished children. In addition, the i-Governance office assisted in the preparation and submission of the Walang Gutom Awards. Mayor Leni Robredo said the initiative aligns with her administration’s 2028 “Finish Lines,” which prioritize achieving zero hunger and zero malnutrition in the city. Robredo added that the P1-million grant will be used to expand the program by assisting small farmers in supplying produce for government feeding initiatives. She emphasized the program’s dual purpose: to improve farmers’ incomes through assured market access, and to ensure a steady supply of vegetables and other agricultural products for feeding programs benefiting malnourished children. I via Jason Neola  

Former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo visited the campus of Asian Institute of Management on May 8, 2026 to meet with academic program directors and discuss possible collaboration between the City Government of Naga and the institute. During the meeting, Robredo shared the development challenges faced by Naga City, noting that despite being geographically landlocked and constrained by infrastructure limitations, the city continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving governance and public service delivery. A major focus of the discussion was the need to accelerate digital transformation in local government operations. Robredo noted that many city government processes remain manual and underscored the importance of digitization in improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public services. The discussions also explored possible technical collaboration related to the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), the national financing mechanism for climate adaptation projects, as Naga City prepares submissions ahead of the May 29 deadline. Representatives from AIM shared insights on leadership, sustainability, public management, and digital governance, while discussing possible capacity-building initiatives for senior city officials through the institute’s degree and executive education programs. “The climate discussions are landing in the middle of a food and fuel crisis, with another El Niño looming. Building climate strategies under those conditions isn’t a technical writing exercise — it requires bringing together stakeholders and expertise that do not usually sit in the same room. That’s what AIM and Naga can do together,” said Chad Briggs, academic program director of AIM’s Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management program. The meeting reflected a shared commitment between AIM and the City Government of Naga to strengthen local governance, sustainability, and innovation through academic-practice partnerships. I via Jason Neola

By Sally A. Altea   LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines (PIA) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a warning on Thursday for residents near Mayon Volcano to remain vigilant, as dangerous volcanic flows and lahars may still occur despite the volcano maintaining its current Alert Level 3 status. In its volcanic activity report released on May 7, Phivolcs noted that Mount Mayon continues to produce lava flows, rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as “uson,” on the southern and eastern slopes of the volcano. The state volcanology agency described PDCs as fast-moving clouds of extremely hot gas, ash, and rocks that can burn, bury, and suffocate anything in their path. “PDCs move at speeds that cannot be outrun and can burn, bury, forcefully impact and asphyxiate all living things in its path,” it said. Phivolcs noted that newly flowing lava has temporarily filled portions of the Mi-isi Gully, increasing the risk of large volcanic collapses. “Presently, steep slopes in the upper Mi-isi Gully are being built-up by the effusion of the newest lava flows, alleviating the threat of large-volume lava-collapse PDCs similar in magnitude to the May 2 series,” it said. The agency has warned that larger and more dangerous PDCs could occur again if lava deposits become unstable or overly steep. Phivolcs also expressed concern about thick volcanic deposits along the Mi-isi-Binaan Channel, which remain extremely hot and may trigger sudden steam explosions. The temperatures inside these deposits could exceed 500 degrees Celsius. Authorities are reminded to strictly prohibit entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, particularly on the southern side of the volcano. Communities within a seven-kilometer radius are advised to prepare for possible evacuation in the event of similar large PDC incidents. Phivolcs has also warned residents living near rivers and waterways around the volcano to remain vigilant against lahars, or volcanic mudflows, especially during heavy rain. The agency noted that loose volcanic materials could be carried downstream by intense rainfall, potentially overflowing into communities along the Mi-isi-Binaan Channel, including areas near the Binaan and Yawa Rivers in Daraga and Legazpi City. Residents are urged to wear masks during ashfall, protect food and water supplies from contamination, and closely monitor official advisories. Special attention should be given to vulnerable individuals, such as senior citizens, pregnant women, infants, and persons with medical conditions, according to the agency. Civil aviation authorities have also been advised to prevent aircraft from flying near Mayon’s summit due to potential ash hazards. Phivolcs said that it will continue to monitor the volcano closely and will immediately relay any significant developments to local government units and disaster response agencies. (PIA Bicol/Albay)

ALBAY, Philippines — Globe is providing immediate relief and connectivity support to residents in Albay as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, with ongoing volcanic unrest and intermittent eruptive activity as of Sunday,May 3, based on updates from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST–PHIVOLCS). Recent monitoring indicates continued effusive eruption, with lava flows, rockfalls, and the risk of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs or “uson”), including activity observed along the Mi-isi gully on the volcano’s southern slopes. Authorities continue to enforce safety measures in affected areas as communities remain on alert. Globe’s network facilities remain unaffected and services continue to operate normally in the area. The company has likewise activated its #AlagangGlobe initiative to ensure residents in high-risk and surrounding areas remain connected and supported. Support for affected customers. Globe and TM subscribers in selected areas will receive free unlimited calls and texts to all networks, 100MB open access data for all apps and additional 100MB for social apps such as Facebook and Viber for one day. While for broadband customers, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users will receive 5GB of open access data valid for three days, GFiber Prepaid users will receive a three-day promo extension, and GFiber Postpaid and Globe Postpaid customers in affected areas will be granted extended payment due dates. GFiber Postpaid customers will also get an additional 15GB valid for 15 days. These measures aim to ensure continuous access to vital communication services for families, responders, and local communities. Globe is also mobilizing its platforms to support relief efforts: Globe Rewards users may donate points via the GlobeOne app to Rise Against Hunger Philippines Donations may also be made through GCash to support ongoing relief operations Relief support will be extended across key municipalities in Albay, including Camalig, Guinobatan, Jovellar, Daraga, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Polangui, and Oas. “Our priority is to help communities stay connected and supported, especially during times of uncertainty,” Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto said. “We continue to stand with Bicolanos and do our part to help them keep going.” Globe will continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with authorities, ready to scale assistance as needed.

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga will launch the latest edition of its city tourism brand on May 1, 2026 at the Metro Naga Sports Complex. The brand launch is being organized by the city government through its Investment and Tourism Promotions Office. On the same day and at the same venue, the QWK Group of Companies, led by chairperson Bong Rodriguez, will open the first-ever Isarog International Hot Air Balloons & Music Festival 2026, which will run until May 3. Mayor Leni Robredo expressed jubilation after QWK invited the city government to co-host the festival at no cost, while the event itself will be funded by the company’s corporate sponsors and collaborators. Attendees of the brand launch are expected to witness the opening activities of the balloon and music festival, offering an added attraction to the occasion. Both events are seen to help stimulate tourism and create new opportunities not only for Naga City but also for neighboring towns in Metro Naga, and the wider Camarines Sur and Bicol Region. I Jason Neola      

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo is set to finalize an agreement with two private companies for the implementation of a solar power project for the Naga City government, following authorization from the Sangguniang Panlungsod to negotiate and enter into a formal contract. This came after the city government launched today, April 23 the Naga City Hall Rooftop Solar Power Project, which aims to install 200 photovoltaic (PV) panels on the rooftops of the Raul S. Roco Library and the Naga City People’s Hall. The project donor, Emerging Power, Inc., represented by Joseph Nocos, and contractor Ecological Energy Technologies, Inc., led by Fowell Justin “Icko” Tan, have committed to provide their products and services at no cost to the city government. Nocos said the 200 solar panels, valued at around P1 million, will help reduce the city’s electricity expenses by minimizing reliance on power supplied by the local electric cooperative. He emphasized that the panels will be provided free of charge. With the project in place, the city government is expected to cut its monthly electricity expenses by as much as P70,000 from an average consumption of about P200,000. The partner companies said their support is aligned with Robredo’s vision of improving the quality of life of Naga residents, especially at a time when the city government has limited resources to undertake such projects. Aside from the solar panels, Emerging Power, Inc. will also donate heavy equipment, including an excavator, dump trucks, wheel loaders, fuel trucks, water trucks, and a service vehicle. Robredo expressed her gratitude to the two private firms, noting that their support will help the city avoid additional expenses. I via Jason Neola    

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government of Naga City will conduct a Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit on May 20 this year at Summit Hotel Naga to further strengthen its advocacy against the disease and adopt direct strategies for its eradication through a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach. Mayor Leni Robredo said the dreaded disease—considered the second leading cause of death among women, especially in communities that lack awareness or understanding of how to address it—can be eliminated if properly managed. She said the advocacy is being pursued in partnership with MSD Philippines, a pharmaceutical firm. The mayor added that at least 400 participants are expected to attend the summit, most of whom are Barangay Health Workers and other community volunteers. “We are expecting that these volunteer workers will bring to residents in their respective villages the learnings, know-how, and awareness they will gain from the summit,” she said. Robredo also emphasized the importance of helping participants understand the hardships and suffering experienced by cervical cancer patients so they will recognize the need to undergo preventive measures such as vaccination and regular screening. She said the advocacy is being advanced with the active support of the Public Information Division of the City Mayor’s Office, members of the Naga City Hall Press Corps, and personnel from various media outfits in the city. She added that the city government, through the City Health Office I, aims to reduce cervical cancer cases, underscoring the need for massive and widespread dissemination of relevant information. I via Jason Neola