Naga City marked a significant step forward in its waste management and disaster response with the blessing of multiple new service vehicles, which include dump trucks for waste collection and two mass transport vehicles at the PAGCOR Multipurpose Evacuation Center Grounds last March 7, 2025.
In a ceremony attended by local government officials, including Mayor Nelson Legacion, the city officially received seven Hino Mini Dump Trucks, each valued at P2.3 million. These trucks will be distributed to seven barangays within Naga City to aid in waste collection, particularly during calamities. One additional 10-cubic meter garbage truck, worth P5 million, was also allocated to bolster the city’s Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO).
The mini dump trucks are designed to improve waste collection efficiency, especially in areas that are prone to flooding or are difficult to reach with traditional larger vehicles. “This is a great help because sometimes the garbage trucks in Naga City are insufficient. This initiative by Mayor Nelson Legacion will significantly help us keep our barangay clean,” said Barangay Captain Ruben of LGU Pacol. His sentiment was echoed by Barangay Captain of Triangulo Raymond Arevelo, who is also one of the recipients of the mini dump trucks.
“It’s another milestone,” Arevelo said. “Our barangay, especially Triangulo, is often affected by flooding, and garbage trucks couldn’t reach us because the area is too small. These new trucks are perfect for our narrow streets, making waste collection more efficient and sustainable. This upgrade, alongside our Materials Recovery Management (MRM) system, will provide immense benefits to our residents.”
For many barangays, this marks the first time they have received such vital equipment. “This is the first time we have received something like this. We were still in the process of purchasing one, and our disaster response system was still being adjusted,” Arevelo added.
The addition of these trucks will improve the city’s waste collection capabilities, especially with the growing volume of waste from households and businesses. The mini dump trucks are expected to reduce delays and ensure that Naga City’s sanitation efforts remain efficient, even in the face of increased waste during calamities.
Aside from the waste collection trucks, two Hino Mass Transport Vehicles, valued at P1.5 million each, were also blessed. These vehicles will be used by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for emergency mass transport during disasters, pre-disaster capacity-building activities, and drills. The new transport vehicles are seen as a vital resource for the city’s disaster response efforts, improving the city’s ability to manage mass evacuations and emergency responses.
Today’s truck blessing event symbolizes a continued commitment to enhancing the city’s infrastructure, ensuring both waste management and emergency response systems are adequately equipped for future challenges.
Mayor Legacion highlighted the importance of these initiatives in maintaining Naga City’s reputation as a proactive and resilient community, prepared for both day-to-day operations and emergency situations.
Written by Samantha Nicole Bernardo, Aaliyah Nicole Ablero, and Katelyn Ann Munda (Interns, CEPPIO).
Photo by Ramil Herrera, Jr. (CEPPIO).
