By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY, Philippines — A total of 43 employees and department heads of the Naga City government have successfully completed a specialized training on disaster communication management, as part of the city’s intensified disaster preparedness campaign and Mayor Leni Robredo’s broader vision under her 2028 “Finish Lines” agenda. The training, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol Region and sponsored by the Philippine Disaster Resiliency Foundation (PDRF), was conducted upon the request of Mayor Robredo. It focused on equipping local government personnel with the skills to manage effective communication during disasters and large-scale events. Raynor Rodriguez, Officer-In-Charge of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), emphasized the importance of the initiative, particularly in the context of the fast-approaching Peñafrancia Festival. “The training was very timely. During big events like the fiesta, multiple clusters are involved—such as the Philippine Coast Guard for the fluvial procession and the PNP for security. Clear communication is critical,” Rodriguez said. The training included intensive exercises and workshops that allowed participants to practice proper cascading of information during crises. It also helped participants better understand the elements of conducting emergency drills. One of the key takeaways was that simulation exercises—such as earthquake and fire drills—should be done independently, not combined, since each disaster has unique response mechanisms. “Thanks to the disaster communication training, the flow of information from the Incident Management Team down to the barangays, especially during big events like the Peñafrancia festival, is expected to be more seamless and further improved,” he said. Mayor Robredo stressed the importance of extending this training to the grassroots level. “We want our Punong Barangays and the barangay kagawads to also undergo this training so they can report incidents properly, and empower their sitios and zones to take appropriate action,” she said. Rodriguez echoed the Mayor’s sentiment, noting a major shift in mindset brought about by the training. “We’ve realized that communication shouldn’t just flow top-down from the Mayor’s Office. Everyone, especially at the barangay level, has a role to play. It’s not about monopolizing decision-making; it’s about collaboration,” he said. He added that the training is especially relevant now that Naga City has started operating its own rain and flood warning devices in barangays—tools that require community-level monitoring and response. “This setup empowers barangay officials and residents to act proactively, but it only works if communication is timely, accurate, and verified,” Rodriguez noted. He also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media during disasters. “Some people rush to post on Facebook without verifying information. Such posting only causes panic. This training helps address that situation by instilling discipline in communication and reporting,” he said. According to Rodriguez, this initiative is a key component of Mayor Robredo’s 2028 “Finish Lines” — a set of developmental goals for Naga that prioritize community empowerment, disaster resiliency, and inclusive governance. “The goal is clear: capacitate every Nagueño, from City Hall to the remotest sitio, to act correctly and confidently when disaster strikes,” he concluded.  

By Christine Kim Villafuerte   NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga gears up to adopt a digitalized flood mitigation system using Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), a US-military-developed software, to create faster, accurate and more efficient flood control methods. Aligned with Mayor Leni Robredo’s goal of transforming Naga into a data-driven city, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), City Engineering Office (CEO), Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), and expert environmental engineers will work together to collect data from the Naga River and submit it to the HEC-HMS software. The city will systematically analyze and use the data generated by the software as a baseline for the planning of flood control and river rehabilitation projects. According to CDRRMO Officer-in-Charge Raynor Rodriguez, due to the high number of residents along Naga River, channel widening will be impossible, thus, they are considering ideas such as dredging or adding another Naga-River-to-Bicol-River waterway channel in the future. These projects are expected to create sufficient waterway spaces, allowing the city’s water to travel faster to sea, potentially reducing the risk of flooding. Using the HEC-HMS software, experts can determine in advance the possible outcomes and consequences of the projects, in addition to the inventory and investment of proper tools and machines needed. Through this method, the amount of time, cost and effort will be minimized, while at the same time ensuring accuracy and overall efficiency. Rodriguez also emphasized the importance of Naga City’s collaboration with and involvement of neighboring towns along the Bicol River in making sure that the city’s flood control measures remain effective. Moreover, to make current and future flood mitigation projects more proactive, continuous workshops and seminars with experts will be conducted    

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — While criminal charges have already been filed against the suspect in the murder of a medical technology student of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), Mayor Leni Robredo vowed that the city government will exhaust all possible means to ensure the tragedy will not happen again. Robredo meet with Police Brigadier General Nestor Babagay Jr., acting regional director of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) to discuss critical steps that the city and police authorities must undertake following the filing of the murder complaint against the suspect, identified by the police only as alias “Nonoy.” Robredo said her discussion with Babagay will focus on forging stronger collaboration between the city government and the Philippine National Police, particularly in reinforcing crime prevention mechanisms. She will also ask what support Naga can expect from the regional police leadership as the city confronts the aftermath of the crime that shook residents and drew widespread concern from the academic community. “We cannot afford the same crime—or any form of aggression—to happen again in our city,” Robredo stressed. “It is very unfortunate on our part, and on the part of the victim and his family, that such a crime occurred. Although isolated, it can blemish the reputation of our city. We condemn it.” Robredo said the case, while legally progressing at the City Prosecution Office, deserves more than just a procedural resolution. “We want to get to the real story behind the crime. While the suspect has admitted the act and the motive has been established by the police, we owe it to the victim’s family and to the people of Naga to understand what really happened, and why,” she added. Aside from her dialogue with Babagay, the mayor said she will also bring the case to the attention of the Naga City Peace and Order Council (POC), which is scheduled to convene next week. One of the immediate actions taken by the city government, Robredo said, is the improvement of the city’s CCTV surveillance system. She has instructed the General Services Department to conduct a thorough inspection of all 27 barangays to identify poorly lit areas andj recommend urgent improvements. “We need CCTVs that are part of a well-organized, effective, and efficient system,” she said. “It is not enough that we have many units. They must be installed strategically, operate consistently, and be backed by a strong and stable internet connection so that surveillance does not fail when we need it most.” Robredo also gave her assurance to the victim’s family that the city government stands with them in their pursuit of justice. “We will do everything within our means to get justice for the victim and to protect others from suffering the same fate,” she said.          

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Hinihikayat ang mga Person with Disabilities (PWD) sa Albay na magpa-rehistro at magkaroon ng PWD ID para makatanggap ng iba’t ibang benepisyo mula sa mga lokal na pamahalaan, establisyemento at iba pa. Ito ang inihayag ni Albay Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (APPDAO) Head Annecita A. Abion, kung saan inilatag nya ang mga maaaring maibigay na tulong sa sektor oras na magkaroon ng PWD ID. Ayon kay Abion, madaming benepisyo ang makukuha ng bawat PWD tulad na lamang ng mga discounts at asistensya mula sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan. “Maa-avail nila ang mga benefits and privileges that comes with having an ID, like for discount napakalaking tulong if you are having medications,” paliwanag ni Abion. Dagdag pa nito na hindi lamang naka-sentro ang benepisyo sa discount sa gamot kundi sa pagpapa-hospital, pamasahe at sa mga restaurant. Kaugnay nito, kinumpirma ng opisyal ang kanilang planong magsanay ng mga personahe ng mga Local Government Units (LGUs) hinggil sa pag-proseso ng pagpapa-rehistro sa mga PWDs. Ang naturang hakbang ay bahagi pa rin ng layunin ng opisina na makapaghatid ng mas episyenteng serbisyo sa bawat PWD sa Albay. (EDumlao, Albay PIO)  

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — Mayor Leni G. Robredo’s Executive Order No. 026, signed and issued on August 5 this year, mandates the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to oversee the grant of medical allowance for employees of the City Government of Naga. The directive is anchored on Section 7 of Presidential Executive Order No. 64, series of 2024, which authorizes the grant of a subsidy amounting to P7,000 in medical allowance per year for qualified government civilian personnel. According to the mayor’s order, the subsidy shall be granted at the start of Fiscal Year 2025. The comprehensive guidelines, rules, and regulations governing the grant of the subsidy are outlined in Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Budget Circular No. 2024-6. The TWG is tasked with ensuring the smooth and efficient implementation of the mayor’s directive. Contained in the EO are the TWG’s mandate and deliverables: 1.) Draft internal guidelines, and implementing rules for the grant of the subsidy, in compliance with the DBM Circular; 2.) Conduct eligibility screening of LGU personnel; 3.) Coordinate with accredited HMO providers, employees associations, and concerned offices; propose fund sourcing, and budget allocation in compliance with the PS cap and budget processes; 4.) Prepare necessary documentation for submission to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and other oversight buddies; and 5.) Oversee the disbursement and reporting of the subsidy in accordance with auditing rules.

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Albay Board Member Harold Ong Imperial has warned the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that endorsing quarry permit applications could expose the body to legal and administrative liability. In a privilege speech, Imperial argued that requiring SP endorsement or Certification of Non-Objection (CNO) for commercial sand and gravel (CSAG) permits violates executive authority under the Local Government Code. He stated that such actions conflict with Section 138 of RA 7160, which grants permit issuance exclusively to the provincial governor. Citing DILG issuances and legal opinions, Imperial explained that any requirement imposed by the SP amounts to an encroachment on executive powers. He also referenced Supreme Court rulings that declared similar legislative actions as ultra vires and therefore void. Imperial warned that the SP could face penalties under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for interfering in functions reserved for the executive. He emphasized that this overreach could confuse investors, disrupt quarry operations, and weaken the governor’s ability to regulate the industry. To mitigate these risks, he proposed that the SP revoke any ordinance requiring its endorsement and cease accepting related requests. Imperial urged the body to focus on oversight functions, such as monitoring environmental compliance and regulating fees, without crossing into executive powers. He concluded by calling for lawful, accountable governance and for the SP to maintain its proper legislative role.          

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — ONE month into her administration, Mayor Leni Robredo expressed satisfaction over the early gains made under her leadership, citing enthusiastic support from city government personnel and the implementation of 24 executive orders that signaled a shift toward more transparent, efficient, and inclusive governance. Robredo, who took her oath of office on June 30, said she is “inspired” by the positive response of her “coworkers” in the city government as she began enforcing policy reforms aligned with her 2028 Finish Lines — a roadmap outlining strategic goals in eight thematic outcome areas: economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, mobility and order, health, education and well-being, heritage and identity, digital governance, good governance innovation, and local government efficiency. Among her administration’s landmark directives are a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the mass regularization of long-serving casual personnel, a baseline performance review of city offices, the reconstitution of the Naga City School Board, and the institutionalization of stronger civil society participation in local governance. “Seeing their commitment and openness to change motivates me even more to pursue the long-term objectives we have laid down,” Robredo said. In her first month, the city government conducted clearing operations of waterways, drainage canals, and water outfalls, spearheaded by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the City Engineer’s Office, and the Solid Waste Management Office. “They [personnel] work almost 24/7 just to ensure that siltation due to the dumps of garbage are removed, clogged drainages are unblocked, and water outfalls are cleared,” Robredo said. “They are doing this to minimize the flooding in the city, if not totally prevented.” Robredo also emphasized partnerships with national and local government units and private stakeholders as vital to achieving her administration’s goals. Key collaborations include a partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the Naga River Rehabilitation focused on clean-up and flood control, and a joint effort with the Metro Naga Water District to strengthen potable water infrastructure and ensure sustainable water supply. Another notable development is a sister-city cooperation with Quezon City, which will pave the way for urban and administrative collaboration in areas such as housing and digital governance services. As her administration moves forward, Robredo remains firm in steering the city toward a governance model that is responsive, participatory, and future-ready.