To address longstanding urban challenges in Naga, Mayor Leni Robredo has tapped a team of Manila-based urban planners to help rationalize the use of city-owned facilities, manage traffic congestion, and bring order to public spaces, especially those now heavily occupied by roadside vendors. “We need to make sure that every government facility is properly organized so their efficiency is not hampered. Right now, we are facing issues brought by disorganized parking, uncontrolled/unregulated street vending, traffic congestion, and newly constructed buildings that were not developed under a comprehensive plan,” Robredo said. The mayor and the urban planning team began their site inspections on Friday, July 11, starting at the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH), where they assessed the layout and functionality of buildings within the Balatas Development Complex. Hospital staff showed them the location of the Outpatient Department (OPD), which is situated more than a hundred meters from the hospital’s main building. Robredo noted the inefficient setup, pointing out that the OPD’s distance from the main hospital building inconveniences patients, especially during inclement weather, and affects the overall service delivery. She added that food from the hospital kitchen—located separately—is currently being transported by carts, a practice deemed unacceptable by the urban planners. “This is why we are pushing for rationalization in how these buildings are used. Every structure here should complement the others so that all offices and services function seamlessly,” Robredo stressed. The team also visited Liboton Street, a four-lane stretch being considered as a pilot area for a new street design focused on pedestrian and bicycle mobility. Robredo said the proposed layout, being finalized in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), will dedicate more space to walkways and bike lanes—an initiative aimed at promoting alternative mobility and easing vehicular traffic in the city. “The design will encourage more people to walk and use bicycles. That means less traffic congestion and a healthier lifestyle for our citizens,” she said. The final stop of the site inspection was Barangay Dinaga, where the elevated Naga River Esplanade will soon rise. The esplanade, stretching from Danlugan near the Naga City People’s Mall to Panganiban Bridge and further to Magsaysay Bridge near the Peñafrancia Basilica, is set to begin construction with Phase 1 funding already downloaded. Mayor Robredo emphasized that the esplanade will not only boost local tourism and provide scenic, shaded walking paths lined with trees—it will also double as a flood control measure. Once completed, the four-phase project will allow pedestrians to travel a long stretch from downtown to the Basilica without using congested main roads. “This will encourage more people to walk, and walking is one of the best and healthiest habits we can promote in a growing city like ours,” she said. Robredo said she is awaiting detailed recommendations from the urban planners, which will guide the city government in crafting long-term solutions to urban congestion and facility planning. | via Jason B. Neola

In a move to make education governance in the city more inclusive and participatory, Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo has reconstituted the Naga City School Board (NCSB) through Executive Order No. 010, series of 2025, which she signed on July 8, 2025. The reconstitution, according to the mayor, is prompted by changing circumstances that call for a broader and more collaborative approach to education development. The order highlights the city government’s thrust to reinvent the NCSB by expanding its membership to include representatives from the private sector and the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC)—the umbrella organization of all non-government and people’s organizations in the city. Under the new composition, Mayor Robredo serves as chairperson of the school board, with Dr. Susan S. Collano, the schools division superintendent, as co-chairperson. Delfin Aguilar, administrative officer of the Education, Scholarships, and Sports Office (ESSO), sits as secretariat. Other members of the board include: City Councilor David Casper Nathan Sergio, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education; City Councilor Jefson Romeo Felix, president Sangguniang Kabataan Federation; City Treasurer Maria Socorro Gayanilo; Tobias Bongon III, president of the Naga City Parents-Teachers Associations League, Inc.; Apollo Sebello, president of the DepEd Naga City Teachers and Employees Association, and Salvacion Verona, president of the Non-Teaching Personnel Association. In recognition of the role of civil society in education, the executive order also invites Elmer T. Sto. Domingo, chairperson of the NCPC, to join the board as an honorary member. His inclusion aims to further promote cooperation among all education stakeholders in advancing accessible, quality education and building a self-reliant and caring Naga City. | via Jason B. Neola

Forum set to tackle water supply concerns   The city government has identified sitios and zones in all 27 barangays that are currently inaccessible to fire trucks and urgently need the installation of water hydrants to ensure quicker response to fire incidents. Mayor Leni Robredo disclosed that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has expressed support for the proposed measure, but raised the issue of water availability. According to the BFP, several existing hydrants in the city do not release water — a gap that undermines firefighting efforts. The mayor cited the recent fire incident on July 8, 2025 in Villa Robredo, Barangay Sabang, where the fire hydrant in the community failed to function. This, she said, underscored the urgency of resolving the issue on water supply and infrastructure. In response, Mayor Robredo is convening a forum next Monday or Tuesday to be attended by the city’s 27 Punong Barangays and the management of the Metro Naga Water District (MNWD). The forum will focus on the status and updates of MNWD’s water development projects and aims to promote a transparent discussion about the water shortage that continues to affect the city. “It is important for our community officials and residents to understand the cause of the water shortage and how long it is expected to last,” Robredo said, emphasizing that MNWD must clearly communicate with the appropriate agencies — whether national or local — to identify what assistance is needed. The mayor stressed that the forum is being organized to foster “healthy exchanges of ideas and information” among stakeholders, in order to help resolve the issue of water shortage, especially as it relates to disaster preparedness. She added that the city government is open to providing support and may also lobby the national government for funding assistance based on the outcome of the discussions. “The forum will guide us in determining what kind of support we can extend to address the water supply concern — and how we can coordinate with the national government to tap additional resources,” Robredo said. | via Jason B. Neola      

In a proactive move to address persistent flooding, the city government of Naga is considering the construction of at least six detention ponds aimed at preventing sudden surges in the city’s storm drains and the Naga River. The plan, which was proposed by a team of urban planners invited by Mayor Leni Robredo, is part of a comprehensive flood control initiative being studied to mitigate the city’s vulnerability to floods. The urban planners are scheduled to return to Naga on Thursday, July 10, to conduct further studies on the city’s water outflow systems and topography. Mayor Robredo said the detention ponds will be strategically located, beginning from elevated areas and moving down toward the lower parts of the city. The concept involves temporarily storing stormwater in large containment areas and gradually releasing it once floodwaters in flood-prone barangays subside. The first site identified for a detention pond is an area adjacent to the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Barangay Pacol. Robredo disclosed that the city is now in the process of identifying the landowner for possible land donation to jumpstart the project. The initiative is not new. Robredo had already submitted the plan to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in November last year, citing the significant cost involved. “We see an amount of P200 million for one, while there are detention ponds that may cost more than a hundred million pesos,” she said. Given the high cost, the city has sought financial support from NEDA and other national government offices. Robredo also reached out to Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Ricarte “Dong” Padilla, who is also governor of Camarines Norte, to help source funding for the project. “These ponds will be the size of big swimming pools,” Robredo explained, noting that the city cannot shoulder the cost alone. The mayor’s plan is seen as a local counterpart to the national government’s Bicol River Basin Development Program. However, Robredo pointed out that the national project appears far from implementation. “That cannot be seen happening in the near future” she said. Recognizing that Naga serves as a catch basin for floodwaters coming from neighboring towns, Robredo remained optimistic. “It’s not to say that we cannot resolve the problem,” she stressed. “We have a lot of things we can do — let’s fix our water outflows, the city’s drainage systems, let’s establish detention ponds — and I swear we can see good results.” | via Jason B. Neola

Affirming the city government’s role as a catalyst for local development and steward of public welfare, Mayor Leni Robredo has signed Executive Order No. 003, series of 2025, institutionalizing the “2028 Finish Lines” as Naga’s strategic development framework. The directive seeks to align all plans, programs, and resources of the city government with the 2028 Finish Lines — a set of thematic goals aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable progress in the next three years. Robredo cited City Ordinance No. 2017-072, or the People’s Budget Ordinance of Naga City, as one of the bases for her directive. The ordinance institutionalized participatory budgeting and full-cycle transparency in the crafting and monitoring of the city’s annual appropriations. It ensures that public funds are allocated in response to the identified needs and priorities of the Nagueño community, anchored on people-centered governance. The 2028 Finish Lines outline the city’s strategic aspirations across 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. The framework was developed through a data-driven, consultative process that engaged Naga City’s 27 barangays, sectoral groups, civil society organizations, the academe, the private sector, and elected officials. It is designed to align with the Philippine Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the long-term national vision, AmBisyon Natin 2040. The executive order also mandates all departments, offices, and units of the city government of Naga to align their annual and multi-year development plans, investment programs, performance targets, and budgets with “2028 Finish Lines.” These include, but are not limited to: The comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), City Development Plan (CDP), Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA), The Annual Investment Plan (AIP), and the Local Budget Preparation (LBP) Forms. | via Jason B. Neola

By MBoragay, Albay PIO   Legazpi City, Albay — A three-day Youth Leadership Summit, organized by the Albay Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), will bring together stakeholders to empower young people as future leaders and advocates for peace. The summit aims to foster nationalism, responsibility, and awareness of social issues among the youth. PPOC sees the youth as vital to community development and nation-building. The event will include mentorship, values education, and activities designed to develop leadership skills, scheduled to take place over the coming months. Supported by military and provincial agencies, the summit emphasizes discipline, belonging, and community service among youth leaders.

Kasabay ng pagbisita sa Lalawigan ng Sorsogon ni PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III ay naging makasaysayan ang pagsuko ng walong rebeldeng Sorsoganon na pormal na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Personal na nasaksihan ni Gen. Torre ang seremonya ng kanilang pagbabalik, na isinagawa sa ilalim ng inisyatiba ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor Boboy Hamor. Pinasalamatan ni Gen. Torre ang liderato ni Governor Hamor sa pagbibigay ng tunay na pagkakataon sa mga dating rebelde na makapagsimulang muli. Kabilang sa tulong na ibinibigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ay ang pagkakaloob ng trabaho at sapat na tulong-pinansyal bilang bahagi ng kanilang repormasyon at pagbabalik sa normal na pamumuhay. Sa kanyang pahayag, muling iginiit ni Governor Boboy Hamor ang kanyang paninindigang ipagpatuloy ang pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa lalawigan habang siya’y nanunungkulan. Ang hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na kampanya ng pamahalaang panlalawigan laban sa insurhensiya at sa pagtataguyod ng mas ligtas, payapa, at maunlad na Sorsogon sa inisyatiba ng 7K Katrangkiluhan program. (Sorsogon PIO)  

The Catanduanes Medicine and Law Scholarship and Return Service Program (CMLSRSP) welcomed its biggest batch of scholars to date, awarding full scholarships to 23 aspiring professionals during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and Presentation of Participants on June 27, at the Provincial Capitol Lobby. Among the new grantees are 15 Doctor of Medicine scholars and 8 Juris Doctor scholars. Some attended the ceremony in person, while others joined virtually, along with their parents, CMLSRSP Board Members, the Technical Working Committee, and CMLSRSP Chairman, Governor Joseph C. Cua. In his message, Governor Cua emphasized the power of education to change lives and make dreams a reality—highlighting the inspiring stories of a tricycle driver’s daughter and a government worker’s daughter, now both preparing to take the Bar exams with the help of the program. Addressing the scholars, he reminded: “You have been given a privilege that no other Catandunganon has. Do not waste this opportunity. Pag kamo nasasakitan sa pagmemorize, pag basa, asin sa saindong mga exams, remember that ‘To struggle in your studies is also a privilege.’ Dai pagsayangun.” He further encouraged them to give back: “Pag kamo abogado na asin doctor, hinguhahon na magtabang man sa mga kapwa niato Catandunganon.” “Darhon an batas asin an programa sa salud, sa mga komunidad na kaipuhan talaga nin tabang,” he added, urging the scholars to stay grounded in service. As Catanduanes continues to invest in its future lawyers and doctors, the provincial government reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, life-changing education that empowers individuals and uplifts communities for generations to come.

Kasabay ng unang araw ng pasukan, namigay ng libreng school supplies ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Sorsogon sa lahat ng mag-aaral sa mga pampublikong paaralan ng Matnog, Casiguran, Barcelona, at Donsol bilang bahagi ng proyektong “Gamit mo, Sagot ko” sa ilalim ng 7K Kadunungan Program. Ilan sa natanggap ng mga mag-aaral ay mga bagong uniporme, bag, notebook, payong at iba pa. Kasabay rin nito ang pamamahagi ng libreng tinapay sa mga benepisyaryo sa ilalim ng Pan sa Paaralan Program na naglalayong itaguyod ang edukasyon at kalusugan ng bawat mag-aaral sa lalawigan.