By Maida Boragay   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo is reforming the local government’s bureaucracy to dismantle long-standing systems of political patronage and “bottom-heavy” staffing, aiming to transform City Hall into a professionalized institution with a highly skilled, merit-based workforce. The reform, guided by a preliminary assessment from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), seeks to right-size the city government following findings that the current setup lacks sufficient middle management to ensure smooth succession and professional growth. “We want the selection to be intentional and deliberate,” Robredo said during a press conference on Monday, January 26. She emphasized her “hands-off” approach to avoid the traditional accommodations often expected of local politicians. “It is difficult when a politician chooses because of the pressure to accommodate. We want City Hall to be very professional because, in the end, it is the institution that benefits,” the mayor added. The DAP’s first draft of the rationalization plan highlighted a critical structural flaw: while the city is teeming with administrative assistants, it lacks middle managers. This bottom-heavy distribution has left several offices unprepared for leadership transitions. The Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern (OSSP) Team, led by Project Head Johann dela Rosa, together with the City Human Resources Management Office (CHRMO) and in partnership with Department and Office Heads, will meet with priority offices to undertake the initial steps in analyzing daily service processes and workloads. The overhaul goes beyond restructuring departments, focusing instead on a city hall-wide upskilling program. Robredo revealed that Naga is partnering with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide specialized training for all personnel, including field workers and garbage collectors. The goal, she said, is to increase the market value of every city employee. “My dream for City Hall is the same dream I had at the OVP that after my term, the value of the employees here will be so high because they worked here,” Robredo explained. By identifying skill gaps per department, the CHRMO is moving away from generic seminars toward intentional, specialized training. This ensures that even younger staff, should they eventually seek “greener pastures,” will carry a formidable set of skills to support their future endeavors. Despite the restructuring, Robredo clarified that Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules will be strictly followed. Open positions will be competitive, meaning current assistants are not automatically promoted to higher roles. “When a position opens, everyone—including outsiders—will go through the same rigorous process,” she said.    

NAGA CITY, Philippines – The Local Government Unit of Naga is calling on communities in the city’s 27 barangays to actively participate in efforts to keep their surroundings clean to prevent prolonged flooding of streets and major roads during the rainy season. Mayor Leni Robredo stressed that community participation is crucial to the city’s campaign for a cleaner Naga, noting that the initiative is expected to result in de-clogged waterways, one of the key factors in mitigating floods. The city mayor made the statement during her program “Oras ni Mayor,” which airs every Saturday over DWIZ. According to Robredo, one of the primary causes of flooding in the city is the clogging of waterways in barangays, largely due to discarded plastic waste and other types of garbage. On the part of the city government, the mayor said that nearly a year has been spent conducting studies and analyses to determine the root causes of flooding in various parts of the city. In addition, the city continues to assess areas that have been identified as flood-prone, especially during heavy rains. She further explained that aside from encouraging residents to take part in maintaining cleanliness, the city also needs to implement measures to relocate families living near waterways to ensure that these waterways are not used as dumping areas for solid waste. “This initiative is already being undertaken through the Housing and Settlements Development Office (HSDO) to help ensure that families to be relocated will have decent shelter, while preventing garbage dumping in waterways that contributes to the flooding problem,” Robredo said. I via Jason Neola  

By Jason Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Jubilant over the decision of the 18 member-municipalities of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) to designate the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) as their primary healthcare service provider, Mayor Leni Robredo announced that the city government will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) today (Jan. 13) with the first three local government units. Under the pact, the participating LGUs formally designate NCGH as a referral facility for their constituents requiring medical services from a Level 1 hospital. MNDC Executive Director Hubert Brocales said the initial signatories to the MOA are the town mayors of Gainza, Pamplona, and Magarao. Robredo said the MOA strengthens the designation of NCGH as the primary healthcare service provider of Metro Naga municipalities and ensures that the City Government of Naga will be reimbursed by PhilHealth for expenses incurred in treating non-Naga resident patients. Brocales added that the MOA formalizes NCGH’s role as a referral facility in the implementation of PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) in the member-towns and underscores the commitment of the MNDC and its LGUs to strengthened cooperation, particularly in advancing health-related programs and initiatives. In previous interviews, Robredo acknowledged that the city government had incurred significant financial losses due to the cost of medical services extended to non-Naga residents at the city hospital. Robredo said the MNDC initiative is expected to help prevent further financial losses by ensuring proper PhilHealth reimbursement for services rendered. The Memo-Ag signing was participated in as signatories by: LGU Magarao Mayor MA. MARUJA A. SEÑAR; LGU Pamplona Mayor MANUEL O. AGUSTIN; LGU Gainza Mayor GLENN ROMEO M. GONTANG, asin mga Municipal Health Officers: LGU Magarao Dr. Darlene Garcera LGU Pamplona Dr. Paulyn M. Jaucian LGU Gainza Dr. Irvin Phillip G. Ablay.

By Jason Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government of Naga is set to identify suitable loading and unloading zones as part of a broader plan to address traffic congestion, particularly in Central Business Districts (CBD) 1 and 2 and along Peñafrancia Avenue, Jacob Street, and M.T. Villanueva Avenue (formerly Liboton Street). Mayor Leni Robredo said traffic problems in the city’s busiest areas cannot be solved by simply declaring roads as one-way streets. She noted that even in major urban centers abroad, congestion is addressed not primarily through traffic rerouting but by encouraging walking, cycling, and the use of efficient public transportation. “In downtown areas, people will choose not to bring their cars if there are enough sidewalks, safe spaces for walking and biking, and if public transport is reliable,” Robredo said. Along Peñafrancia Avenue, where several schools are located, the mayor pointed out the lack of adequate pedestrian spaces, as sidewalks are often occupied by parked cars and motorcycles. She said reclaiming these areas for pedestrians is essential to improving both traffic flow and public safety. The city government is also studying the establishment of pay parking areas, particularly in high-traffic zones, to discourage motorists from bringing private vehicles into already congested streets. Robredo said identifying alternative parking areas is a prerequisite before enforcing stricter no-parking policies along roads and streets. Several vacant lots are being considered for pay parking, although negotiations are yet to be undertaken as the property owners are currently not based in the city, she added. In coordination with a group led by Engr. Edmer Flores of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), the city is likewise exploring solutions on where public utility vehicles (PUVs) can properly load and unload passengers. To address complaints about PUVs spending excessive time at terminals while waiting to fill up with passengers, Robredo said funds have been allocated in the city’s proposed 2026 annual budget to subsidize public transport operations. T he subsidy aims to compensate drivers for passengers they might miss if they adhere to strict schedules. “Many commuters complain that they arrive late at work or school because PUVs wait too long before leaving,” Robredo said. “We want PUVs to follow proper timing so passengers can rely on them.” She explained that once PUVs operate on a predictable schedule, passengers will know when and where to ride, making the system more efficient for both drivers and commuters. Robredo emphasized that the proposed traffic reforms will not happen overnight, noting that her administration is pioneering several of these approaches in the city. She said the public will be invited to participate in the decision-making process during the traffic summit scheduled in January 2026. “What we want is a solution that will work in the long term, not just something that provides temporary relief,” the mayor said.  

NAGA CITY, Philippines –The City Government of Naga extended a P100,000 cash gift to a Nagueña centenarian as a tribute to her longevity, wisdom, and contributions to society, on January 5. The cash gift was personally handed over by Mayor Leni Robredo, together with Jim Reblando, program director of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), during a family gathering hosted in honor of Mrs. Gloria Teresa Josefa O. Bagadion, who marked her 100th birthday the day before. Mrs. Bagadion, a resident of St. James Subdivision in Barangay Concepcion Grande, is the fourth centenarian to receive the recognition since Mayor Robredo assumed office in June 2025, according to Reblando. The grant of the P100,000 cash gift is mandated under the Expanded Centenarians Act of 2024 (Republic Act No. 11982), which provides financial incentives to Filipinos who reach the age of 100. Mayor Robredo congratulated the centenarian and assured her of the city government’s assistance in facilitating the documentation needed for her to receive an additional P100,000 cash gift from the national government through the National Commission of Senior Citizens Affairs. Reblando also called on senior citizens aged 96, 97, 98, and 99 to coordinate early with the OSCA so they can be guided on the necessary preparations and documentary requirements ahead of their 100th birthday. He added that similar cash gifts will be extended to other centenarians celebrating their birthdays in February and March this year, in line with the provisions of the law. I Jason Neola

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Albay has ordered the immediate termination of all district leaders and members of Task Force Quarry following a review of the task force’s functions and current operational setup. The directive was issued through Memorandum Order No. 01, Series of 2026, signed by Provincial Administrator Engr. Raul E. Rosal on January 9. The memorandum cited the need to either restructure or completely discontinue the existing composition of Task Force Quarry to ensure more effective implementation of the provincial quarry ordinance and other relevant laws and policies. Task Force Quarry was created under the present administration to monitor, regulate, and apprehend violators of Provincial Ordinance No. 003-2016, as amended. Pending the reorganization of a new task force, the Environment and Natural Resources Office has been directed to assume the duties and functions of Task Force Quarry. The Environment and Natural Resources Office was also instructed to coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure uninterrupted enforcement of quarry-related laws and regulations. The memorandum order takes effect immediately and supersedes all previous issuances inconsistent with its provisions. (LJLorejo, Albay PIO)  

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) – Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) ang pagpasok sa six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Ayon sa PDRRMC-APSEMO Advisory No. 2026-1 na nilagdaan ni PDRRMC Chairperson at Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal, pinagbabawal ang anumang human activity sa loob ng PDZ katulad ng mountain climbing, orchid picking, vegetable harvesting, at iba pa. Ito ay matapos na opisyal na itaas ng Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS-DOST) ang alert level status ng bulkang Mayon mula sa Alert Level 1 (Low Level Unrest) patungong Alert Level 2 (Increasing/Moderate Level of Unrest). Sa opisyal na pahayag ng PHIVOLCS, tumataas ang bilang ng naitatalang rockfall events mula Nobyembre 2025 na umabot sa kabuuang 599. Mayroon ring 47 rockfall events na naitala kahapon, noong Disyembre 31, 2025. Kaugnay nito, mahigpit ring ipinapatupad ang ‘no fly zone’ sa ibabaw ng Mayon. Limitado naman ang operasyon ng ATV rides sa Cagsawa Ruins, at pansamantala ring suspendido ang pagpasok sa Mayon Skyline. Itinaas na rin ang preparedness, at monitoring status, at ipinag-utos ang heightened alert sa mga City at Municipal DRRMs. (CMDacoro, Albay PIO)        

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.

NAGA CITY, Philippines — In a significant move toward modernizing public safety and city management, Mayor Leni Robredo officially launched Naga’s AI Command Center during the Naga City Innovators Assembly. Developed by the Philippine-based AIRA Labs, the platform is designed to serve as a central artificial intelligence system for enhancing public safety, disaster response, traffic management, and real-time digital governance in Naga City. The initiative signals a strategic shift from purely reactive crisis response toward predictive and intelligence-assisted governance, positioning Naga City as one of the local governments preparing early for advanced AI-enabled systems by 2026. Currently in a pre-deployment and pilot scoping phase, the City Government of Naga and AIRA Labs are working together to assess data readiness, scope priority City Hall offices, and define initial use cases ahead of phased implementation. “In partnership with AIRA Labs AI, Naga is building a hyper-intelligent city using an AI-enhanced command center. The system’s strength is its ability to detect data patterns, forecast potential risks before they become emergencies, and suggest preventive actions,” said Mayor Robredo, detailing the city’s vision for the platform. The AIRA AI Command Center is an LGU-specific AI platform engineered to tackle real-world operational issues often faced by Philippine cities, such as localized flooding, traffic congestion, and communications disruptions during typhoons.   Del Val, co-founder of AIRA Labs, noted that while global discussions often focus on “Smart Cities” in theory, Philippine LGUs are dealing with practical, immediate challenges. He described the platform as a move toward a “Hyper-Intelligent City,” aiming for capabilities beyond standard smart city designations. The system is powered by the proprietary AIRANET Core, which reportedly integrates local infrastructure, leverages AI to interpret radio broadcasts, and can remotely control critical infrastructure. Notably, the AI models are trained to understand local dialects—Tagalog, Bicolano-Naga, and Bisaya—to ensure highly localized and accurate reporting. Furthermore, Jason Dela Rosa, the principal architect and chief systems developer behind AIRA, explained that the platform functions by integrating various Philippine emergency realities with advanced artificial intelligence, enabling it to learn, predict, and evolve in real time. During the pre-work phase, two priority applications are being scoped: the development of an AI-assisted triage system for MyNaga App reports to improve how citizen concerns are classified, routed, and monitored across City Hall offices; and AI-powered analytics for city procurement data, aimed at strengthening transparency, identifying patterns, and supporting oversight. These use cases are intended to address immediate operational needs while allowing the city to test AI systems responsibly before broader rollout. Once fully operational, the AIRA AI Command Center enables Naga City to forecast flood risks using Vulnerability Modeling, detect traffic and crime patterns, and convert raw field data into high-level, real-time operational intelligence within seconds. This capability aims to improve the city’s overall readiness, including for climate mobility and security risks, by 2026. AIRA Labs also maintains a strong commitment to data sovereignty, ensuring that LGUs retain full ownership and control over their operational intelligence, which they deem a critical element of national security.