NAGA CITY, Philippines — The ratification of Naga City’s highly urbanized city (HUC) status in the November 21 plebiscite will give the city government’s grassroots sports development program a much-needed boost, allowing it to expand its activities and provide better opportunities for young athletes, Coach Rozel Labay said.

Labay, a coach under the city government’s grassroots sports program, expressed strong support for the HUC campaign, saying the proposed change in the city’s status comes at an opportune time when Naga is under a dynamic city leadership capable of pursuing ambitious development programs.

He said HUC status would give the administration of Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo greater momentum in implementing its major plans and programs, particularly those that require substantial resources and assistance from national government agencies.

Labay said the change in status would help accelerate the realization of Robredo’s eight 2028 Finish Lines, particularly the vision of producing healthy and educated Nagueños.

He encouraged fellow coaches, sports enthusiasts, and members of the youth sector to support the ratification of Naga’s HUC status, stressing that the benefits would extend to the city’s sports development initiatives and the welfare of young people.

He cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the Metro Naga Sports Complex and the mayor’s efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development through the procurement of necessary sports equipment and improvement of facilities.

According to Labay, these initiatives need stronger support, including funding assistance and other resources that could be made available through national government agencies once Naga becomes a highly urbanized city.

He also appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in sports activities, saying this would help promote physical fitness and reduce excessive dependence on electronic gadgets, which could adversely affect their health.

Labay expressed optimism that HUC status would open more opportunities for the city to obtain government assistance, including sports equipment donations and other forms of support that could strengthen its athletic development programs.

For him, making Naga a highly urbanized city would not only advance its overall development agenda but also help build a stronger foundation for sports participation, talent development, and healthier communities. | via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head.