NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo is calling for a meeting among the LGU’s Public Safety Office, the Naga City Police Office, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Naga, and the office of City Councilor Ramon Melvin Buenafe, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transport, to address issues on e-trike registration and designated routes in the city. The proposed meeting aims to enable the LGU and national agencies to craft a unified policy on the operation and movement of e-trikes on city roads. This initiative comes after the LTO issued a directive prohibiting e-trikes from operating along highways and major roads—a provision that is now seen as necessary for inclusion in a pending city ordinance being endorsed by City Councilor Buenafe. “We just do not want a messy implementation of any directive from the government regarding e-trike mobility. We also need to establish clear regulations, such as determining what kind or type of e-trike shall be allowed on specific roads, because proper enforcement is necessary,” Robredo said during a press conference. Among the policy areas requiring clarification are the operation of e-trikes on barangay roads versus city roads, as well as applicable speed limits and the types of e-trikes permitted in particular areas. Currently, the LTO in Naga prohibits e-trikes from using the Maharlika Highway and warns that violators will be penalized. I via Jason Neola          

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Naga City is undertaking a strategic digital audit with global firm Artemis Intelligence to strengthen its governance foundations and scale innovation across public services. The initiative positions Naga as a model for ASEAN cities embracing inclusive digital transformation. Mayor Leni Robredo, in her remarks during the Innovators Assembly on Friday, November 28, emphasized that the city’s digital transformation is rooted in people and processes, not technology alone. “MyNaga App’s success is not just a tech story; it is a story of City Hall personnel working together, delivering solutions quickly and consistently.”   Artemis Intelligence is working closely with LGU IT leaders to map the systems that deliver services under the Naga City Citizens Charter, including those built internally and those interfacing with platforms like the MyNaga App. The audit zeroes in on the most critical systems to ensure improvements translate into faster, more transparent, and more inclusive services. By advancing Naga’s ISSP priorities for 2025, Artemis is aligning the city’s digital infrastructure with citizen needs and laying the foundation for scalable innovation and participatory governance well beyond 2025. Artemis CEO Michael Glaros reinforced the city’s vision: “Smart cities succeed when technology empowers people. Naga City is taking bold steps to future-proof its governance, launching a digital readiness audit with Artemis Intelligence to ensure citizens benefit from smarter, more transparent, and participatory services. The initiative positions Naga as a model for ASEAN cities embracing inclusive digital transformation.” The audit prioritizes systemic blockers observed in enterprise AI deployments, from legacy integration to governance complexity and scale friction. By tackling these challenges head-on, Artemis is helping Naga build agent-ready infrastructure that supports not only the MyNaga App but also future digital solutions requiring secure, explainable, and citizen-aligned AI capabilities. Conducted through a KPI-driven methodology, the audit includes document reviews, interviews, benchmarking, and a two-day multi-sector workshop. Representatives from government offices, academe, private sector, and civil society will participate in perception scoring, KPI validation, and consensus building to determine Naga’s digital maturity scores. By strengthening digital governance, Naga City is laying out the foundation for scalable innovation, inclusive participation, and resilient service delivery. The city invites partners and residents alike to join this journey toward a smarter, more accountable future.

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo expressed the heartfelt gratitude of the City Government of Naga and its people to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) with LDS Naga-Philippine Stake President Michael Diaz for donating P8 million worth of medical equipment intended for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH). Robredo said the city is grateful not only for the essential medical apparatuses but also for the enduring legacy of compassion and service that LDS members continue to share with communities across the country. “What is highly commendable is the act of genuine generosity and compassion, which bring hope and inspiration, especially to those who are downtrodden and destitute,” the mayor said. During the turnover and acceptance ceremony, the mayor recalled the Church’s vital partnership with the Angat Buhay Foundation during her tenure as congresswoman of Camarines Sur’s third district—a collaboration that continues today with her leadership in Naga City. In her Saturday morning radio program “Oras ni Mayor” over DWIZ, Robredo also thanked NCGH chief of hospital Dr. Joseph Sanchez and assistant chief Dr. Jamela Mangente, who led the hospital’s efforts to secure the specialized NICU equipment. The donated items are essential in providing life-saving care for premature and critically ill newborns. These include: Radiant warmers (5 units), which provide controlled heat to keep newborns warm immediately after birth or during procedures while allowing easy access for medical staff. Incubators (3 units), enclosed and temperature-regulated chambers that maintain body heat and humidity for premature or sick infants who need stable environmental support. Neonatal patient monitors (8 units) that continuously track vital signs—heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure—and alert staff when readings fall outside safe levels. A central monitor (1 unit), enabling nurses and physicians to view and integrate vital signs from multiple infants at once, allowing faster response to emergencies. Phototherapy lamps (3 units), which emit blue-spectrum light to break down excess bilirubin in infants with jaundice, making it easier for their bodies to eliminate. Kangaroo care phototherapy blankets (2 units), flexible light-emitting pads that allow babies to receive jaundice treatment while being held in comforting skin-to-skin contact with their parents. Suction machines (9 units), which clear mucus and secretions from a newborn’s airway to prevent obstruction and support easier breathing. Robredo said the equipment will significantly improve the NCGH’s ability to care for its tiniest and most vulnerable patients, describing the donation as a “blessing that will save lives and uplift families for many years to come.”

By Christine Kim Villafuerte   NAGA CITY, Philippines — To better equip its department heads and leaders with strategic leadership skills, the City Government of Naga conducted a Completed Staff Work (CSW) training on November 13, 2025. CSW is a management mechanism that requires staff to create well-prepared reports to help leaders understand problems quickly and make decisions. Participated in by 56 department heads, leaders, and representatives, the training aims to strengthen Naga City Hall’s CSW, starting from the basic steps, techniques and leadership core values. As noted by Sieg Borromeo, the Transition Team’s HR designate, this initiative addresses the need for departments to adhere to the same processes, expectations, and methods when preparing reports and assignments for Mayor Leni Robredo and the city’s executive management committees. According to Mayor Leni Robredo, she saw the importance of CSW during her vice presidency, where solutions were already prepared by the time someone came forward for help. Borromeo said that the training is expected to benefit Nagueños by making city operations more efficient, solution-oriented and results-driven. “Instead of presenting raw problems to the mayor, departments will now present options. That means faster decisions and more time for Mayor Leni to focus on strategic, long-term work for Naga,” she said. The session was led by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chief Human Resources Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Retired PCOL Alexander M. Arevalo, and Sieg Borromeo, at the 2nd Floor of PAGCOR Building in Balatas, Naga City.      

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Naga’s Incident Management Team (IMT) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) have conducted a post-evaluation and assessment of their preparations and operations before, during, and after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan on November 8–9, 2025. Acting City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (DRRMO) Raynor Rodriguez said the activity aimed to identify areas for improvement in the city government’s disaster preparedness and response strategies for future typhoons. During the evaluation, IMT and EOC members noted a shortage of responders and volunteers at the height of the typhoon. Despite the limited manpower, Rodriguez said all aspects of operations were managed efficiently due to coordination among teams and the cooperation of residents. Some volunteers, however, failed to report for duty until the second day of the calamity. The assessment covered several key operations, including the distribution of food and relief goods, the condition and suitability of the Sta. Cruz Evacuation Center—which needs retrofitting to better serve as a temporary shelter—the responsiveness of residents during pre-emptive evacuations, camp management in evacuation centers, and the deployment of emergency vehicles to assist stranded passengers. In its overall findings, the EOC and IMT concluded that the city government performed commendably in ensuring the safety and security of the public throughout the disaster. Among the recommendations raised was to prioritize the safety and accommodation of evacuees over the allocation of parking spaces for vehicles, citing the situation at the second floor of the Naga City People’s Mall evacuation site. The teams also emphasized that only one Incident Management Team should operate under the Incident Command System (ICS) to maintain unified command and coordination. Because of the city’s timely and well-coordinated operations—along with the cooperation of residents—Naga recorded zero casualties during the typhoon. A total of 7,388 families or 27,297 individuals sought shelter in various evacuation centers across the city.  

By Maida Boragay   NAGA CITY, Philippines — While affirming that city government properties sustained minimal damage from the recent Super Typhoon Uwan, Mayor Leni Robredo revealed critical gaps in disaster preparedness, particularly concerning the structural integrity of designated evacuation centers. Robredo highlighted that widespread preparations were unexpectedly challenged by design flaws in facilities meant to shelter the public. “Grabe preparation ta pero dae ta napagpreparan na si iba tang mga evacuation centers. Pag makusog ang duros, lalaugon ning tubig,” Mayor Robredo said in a press conference, noting a critical realization during the disaster response. The most immediate concern cited was the People’s Hall at the Naga City Hall. Evacuees housed there were “soaked” by the water that seeped in. To remedy the situation, the Mayor’s Office and the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod were promptly opened to serve as temporary, dryer shelters for those displaced. A similar issue was observed at the Sta. Cruz Evacuation and Event Center, where a structural opening became an entry point for water, leading to leaks and subsequent relocation of evacuees. Mayor Robredo admitted that the city takes responsibility for the inconvenience caused. Despite the infrastructure setbacks, the Mayor commended the swift and complete assistance from the education sector, “Mapasalamat man kita sa mga eskwelahan si DEpED 100% si tabang,” she noted. Private schools like Mariners Polytechnic Colleges and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) also opened their doors. These challenges ultimately pivoted to a crucial priority: the urgent need to address the shortage and structural inadequacies of the city’s evacuation facilities. The Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, for instance, which was used for shelter, was never intended to be an evacuation center. While it was fortunate that the water did not rise there, the mayor acknowledged the immediate need for action. A key realization, Robredo highlighted, is that the city simply lacks sufficient and appropriate evacuation centers. “We really need to complete the retrofitting within the year 2026,” Mayor Robredo declared, identifying facilities like the People’s Hall—which is not designed for comfort as a long-term shelter—as top priorities for development and structural upgrade. This underscores the city’s commitment to transforming emergency response lessons into long-term infrastructure development and improved disaster resilience.  

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The Naga City Government is pressing forward with its plan to drastically improve healthcare services for children with special needs and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), despite earlier funding setbacks. As part of its 2028 Finish Lines, the city has committed to strengthening its local health workforce to ensure that vital early and appropriate interventions are accessible to all, including young Nagueños. Central to the city’s strategy is the hiring of highly specialized medical professionals in the 2026 budget, which includes a developmental pediatrician, a speech pathologist, and a rehabilitation doctor. Mayor Leni Robredo said that these specialists are essential to treat children diagnosed with conditions like autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as those needing physical and occupational therapy. “Hopefully sa January na pwede na ulit tayong mag-hire ng mga additional na tao at macorrect yang [shortage of doctors at the Naga City General Hospital], pero kailangan ayusin natin,” Mayor Robredo said in a recent press conference, emphasizing the commitment to quality, expert care. To bridge the immediate gap, the Mayor has proposed a volunteer engagement with her sister-in-law, Dr. Penny Robredo-Bondoc, a rehabilitation doctor, to help expand rehabilitation and therapy services in the city hospital. In a concrete move toward building a data-driven system, the city has already provided laptops to its Community-Based Rehabilitation Specialists (CBRS). This equipment will allow the CBRS to create a comprehensive profiling system—a crucial database for evidence-based planning and delivering targeted, specific support to every child and every PWD who needs it. The mayor concluded by stating that with commitment and collaboration, Naga will continue its move toward becoming a more inclusive and child-friendly city. “Hopefully for 2026, yung mga special therapists na kinakailanganーhindi lang ng mga bata pati Persons With Disabilitiesーmagkaroon na,” Robredo added as she vowed to institutionalize community-based rehabilitation. | via Maida Boragay  

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — All offices of the city government will soon be displaying “No Gift Policy” posters in their entrances and public areas, following Mayor Leni Robredo’s issuance of Executive Order No. 58, which institutionalizes a comprehensive prohibition on the giving and receiving of gifts in any form. The directive mandates that the “No Gift Policy” be prominently displayed in all city offices and integrated into contracts, bid documents, and official correspondence. This move reinforces the city government’s ongoing commitment to ethical public service and good governance. Mayor Robredo said the measure aims to instill among Nagueños—especially city employees—the value of serving the public with “utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency,” emphasizing that gifts are unnecessary in obtaining government services. One of the key provisions cited in the order is Presidential Decree No. 46, which criminalizes both the giving and receiving of gifts by reason of official position, regardless of the occasion, including Christmas. The directive also reiterates provisions under Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and the Administrative Code of 1987, all of which prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of gifts, favors, or anything of monetary value in connection with official duties. Robredo underscored that the policy does not only prohibit acts of corruption but also those that may create even the appearance of impropriety, recognizing that public servants must always remain above suspicion and reproach. The new order builds upon the city government’s earlier Executive Order No. 1, which reaffirmed Naga’s commitment to good governance through a framework anchored on accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. “The institutionalization of a comprehensive ‘No Gift Policy’ is a safeguard against conflicts of interest, corruption, and even the appearance of partiality or undue influence. Public office is a public trust, and we must always uphold that trust,” Robredo said.      

By Maida Boragay   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni Robredo is moving for the development of robust primary healthcare facilities as a critical strategy to ease the crushing burden on Naga City’s main hospitals. The initiative comes as the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) struggles with severe overcrowding, a situation exacerbated by residents habitually flocking to the hospital for common ailments that should be managed at the community level. “Importantehong maray na igwa kitang primary healthcare facilities ta nagrereklamo ang Naga City General Hospital na grabeng marhay an saiyang pasyente tapos siyempre si health habits kan mga tao nadiretso tulos sa hospital,” Mayor Robredo said on a press conference on recently. She pointed out that many patients with minor issues—like the common cold or trangkaso—go straight to the hospital. Robredo highlighted the protocol that simple cases should be handled first by barangay health centers or the City Health Office (CHO), as these facilities are equipped with medicines. However, she noted that the public has grown accustomed to seeking immediate hospital care. “Kun simpleng abo saka sipon, mas marhay na sa city health nalang magduman… or sa mga saindong barangay health centers. Bako na sa NCGH, bako na sa BMC. Ta nganing dae na mag-urulakitan,” the mayor added. The NCGH worries that with the massive patient influx, they can no longer cater to everyone, which could compromise the quality of care and could lead to patients feeling neglected or worse, being exposed to more serious infections. Aside from NCGH, the public can also avail healthcare services from the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary (OLLI) in Carolina, CHO I in Concepcion Pequena, and CHO II in Sta. Cruz. And several months from now, the Naga City Super Health Center (NCSHC) will also be operational as the city accelerates its strategy to bring essential medical services closer to every Nagueños. Mayor Robredo reiterated the need to immediately strengthen the Primary Care Facility system so that only those truly needing hospitalization go to the hospital, as she mentioned that the OPD nurses themselves confirm they can no longer cope with the sheer number of patients, especially during peak periods like the current flu season. This push signals Naga City’s commitment to establishing local access to healthcare and improving public health habits.