City Government of Naga – CITY OF NAGA

DepEd trains school counselors, nurses on mental health issues

CEPPIO Naga — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 06:07:48 +0000

Guidance counselors, school nurses, and project development officers from public schools in this city are currently undergoing specialized training aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to address mental health concerns among students.

The initiative comes in response to increasing reports of anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, suicides among students, which have raised alarms within the educational community.

The Division of Naga City Schools is leading this comprehensive three-day training, which began on September 25. The program is designed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and capabilities in handling psychosocial issues experienced by both students and teachers.

Hazel Rose Ledesma Sumpay, a registered nurse and licensed teacher, who serves as the Division Nurse in Charge, said that the training forms part of the DepEd’s Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd (OK sa DepEd) flagship program, particularly focusing on mental health support.

“There are cases of suicide among students, alongside instances of mental depression and anxiety,” Sumpay said. “This training is crucial as we capacitate our guidance counselors and project development officers, equipping them to address these critical issues at the school level.”

Although the Department of Education (DepEd) in Naga City has yet to compile an official list or conduct in-depth studies to determine the underlying factors contributing to these suicides and mental health concerns, the Division’s medical department speculates that poor social interactions, strained familial relationships, and academic pressure may be contributing factors. Bullying, poor grades, and family-related issues have also been cited as potential triggers.

The Naga City Mental Health Council, chaired by City Councilor Gayle Abonal, has been actively collaborating with DepEd to ensure that the mental health program reaches the community level. Through this partnership, the program aims to extend beyond the classroom, involving the community in addressing the mental health needs of students.

In addition to handling mental health challenges, DepEd Naga’s efforts are integrated with the agency’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program. Both initiatives work together to provide a holistic approach to student well-being, especially in schools where cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts have been reported.

Sumpay emphasized that the Department is not only focusing on awareness but is also in the process of formulating activities to strengthen its advocacy against mental health issues.

“Our goal is to empower guidance counselors and other school personnel, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle these situations and provide necessary support to students in distress,” she said.

The DepEd continues to push for proactive measures such as training, seminars, and information dissemination to combat the mental health challenges affecting students. These efforts, Sumpay said, are all part of the Department’s broader vision of creating a supportive, responsive environment for learners, where mental health is prioritized just as much as academic performance.

Written by Jason B. Neola.

Executive Order for the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival 2024, signed by Mayor Legacion

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:48:56 +0000

In preparation for the upcoming Centenary Celebration of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia this September, Mayor Nelson Legacion formally signed Executive Order No. 2024-007 yesterday, March 7, 2024. The Executive Order mandates the establishment of committees and support groups, along with the appointment of dedicated chairpersons, to ensure the seamless execution of the Peñafrancia Festival. This directive comes at a pivotal time as the Pilgrim City prepares for the grand celebration of the Canonical Coronation of our Beloved Ina.

As per the usual Executive Orders of the past, two main groups are being created under Executive Order 2024-007: the Event Committees and the Support Services. According to Section 3 of the order, “the Event Committee shall be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and ensuring the successful execution of the festival events.” The respective chairpersons for these committees are as follows:

Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola, M. D.
Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC and Inter-School Mass Dance Competition Committee – Hon. Joselito del Rosario
Civic and Float Parade Committee – City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro
Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee – Hon. Jose Perez
Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee – Hon. Ramon Melvin Buenafe
Tagboan Arts, Music and Gastronomy Festival – CEPPIO Department Head, Allen Reondanga

The Support Services group will be tasked with providing technical support before, during, and after the Peñafrancia Festival. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of the cleanliness of the city, creation and fortification of festival structures, public information dissemination, marketing, and promotions, management of trade events and vending services, management of health and safety protocols, security, and many more. For a complete and comprehensive list of the standing committees, you may refer to the copy of the Executive Order attached below. Due to the nature of the upcoming celebration, the Executive Order mandates all heads of departments and offices within the City Government to be included in the various committees and ensure that all hands are on deck for this momentous occasion.

It has been almost 100 years since the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as Queen and Patroness of Bicolandia. In 1924, Ina was crowned by the Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. Guiglelmo Piani, DD, at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. And now, as we approach the Centenary Celebration, we look back on those 100 years and the more than 300 years of devotion to Our Ina, under the theme of Se Siempre La Reina – Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon.

Written by Agnete Jonathan Noble (CEPPIO).

ComNet 2024-2026 officers take oath of office

CEPPIO Naga — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:02:06 +0000

THE Philippine Information Agency Camarines Sur Communicators Network (PIA Camarines Sur CommNet), an organization of public information officers working at local government units and other public agencies, recently conducted its oath-taking ceremonies for the new set of officers who will serve from 2024 to 2026.

The newly elected officers pledged to serve their roles from 2024 to 2026. The simple ceremony was administered by AKO Bicol Partylist Representative Jil D. Bongalon.

Executive Officers:

President: Raul Aspe Jr. (Philippine Statistics Authority)

Vice-President: Grace Rojas (Land Transportation Office-Naga)

Secretary: Ma. Cleofe Baraero (National Irrigation Administration)

Treasurer: Madel Alacar (Dept. of Trade and Industry-Naga)

Auditor: Allan Salvador (LGU San Fernando)

Board of Directors:

Lovella Guarin (Dept. of Agriculture)

Rosalyn Perida (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)

Charlie Rosari (LGU Milaor)

Allen Reondanga (LGU Naga)

Army Major Frank Roldan (DPAO, 9ID, Philippine Army)

Pat Felizmenio (Dept. of Science and Technology)

Queenie Agsao (Social Security System, SSS)

The swearing-in ceremony was administered by AKO Bicol Partylist Representative Jil D. Bongalon. During an open forum and press briefing, officers expressed their gratitude to AKO Bicol for its support and funding assistance.

Notable projects include scholarships, infrastructure development, lifeline projects, and landmark legislation such as the Media Workers Welfare Bill, which has already passed the third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

Allen Reondanga, head of LGU Naga’s City Events, Protocol, and Public Information Office (CEPPIO), commended the AKO Bicol Partylist for the multimillion-peso Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) not to mention the several millions of pesos more which were spent for the construction of the city’s road widening projects and other lifeline and infrastructure facilities.

Ako Bicol Partylist, led by Representative Zaldy Co, collaborates with the Department of Health (DOH) to provide essential medical assistance to indigent patients in the Bicol Region. Their commitment underscores the importance of accessible healthcare for all residents.

Bongalon said that Mayor Legacion had discussed already with Rep. Co his (Legacion’s) future plans for Naga and how AKO Bicol can contribute to their realization. The collaboration between LGU Naga and AKO Bicol aims to achieve growth and development for the welfare of the constituents.

The partylist works closely with both private and public hospitals in the region. By facilitating access to medical resources, Ako Bicol Partylist ensures that indigent patients receive the necessary care.

Written by Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO). Photo taken by Emman Cleofe (CEPPIO).

Bicol’s top cop lauds Naga Mayor for CeSaR project

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:34:42 +0000

PBGen Andre Perez Dizon, the PRO5 Regional Director, expressed his gratitude to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion for allocating a parcel of land within a compound for the establishment of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) headquarters.

This strategic move brings together various government agencies involved in law enforcement and contributes to maintaining peace and order in the city.

Dizon said Mayor Legacion’s vision to co-locate the police headquarters with other essential offices is commendable. The site, situated at the Balatas Development Complex, is currently undergoing land preparation. Its central location and accessibility make it an ideal hub for government agencies.

The ambitious project, known as the Center for Safety and Resiliency (CeSaR), has been allocated P400 million for site development and building construction. The CeSaR building will be equipped with state-of-the-art communication devices and is scheduled to begin construction in July of this year.

Initially, the project received a budget allocation of P145 million from the General Appropriation Act of the national government.

As part of its adopt-a-city program, SM City Naga has committed P40 million for the procurement of modern gadgets and devices to enhance the building’s technological capabilities.

PBGen Dizon hopes that the Philippine National Police will secure the necessary funding for the construction of the NCPO headquarters on the donated lot of the city.

Col. Erwin Rebellon, the NCPO city director, also expressed gratitude to the mayor for his unwavering support and concern for the police force.

Rebellon’s insight highlights the significance of the site where various law enforcement agencies will co-locate their headquarters. This arrangement fosters efficient collaboration among these agencies, leading to a more systematic and prompt response to incidents requiring law enforcement action.

The proposal to invite the police regional director to establish a satellite office at CeSaR is also seen as a positive step by the city police chief. Such proximity would enhance coordination and facilitate effective decision-making in maintaining peace and security.

Written by Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO). Photo by Ramil Herrera Jr. (CEPPIO).

Boning Sia Sr. Street: Honoring the legend behind the iconic business

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:49:16 +0000

AS a gesture honoring a local legend, the city government of Naga, thru an ordinance, named the street that stretches from the corner of Bicol Access Health Centrum up to the opposite end at Zone 4 of Barangay Triangulo as Boning Sia, Sr. Street.

The designation recognizes the contributions of the man whose humble store, Boning’s Trading, which began its operation 74 years ago, has grown over time and hard work to become the city’s single biggest supplier of office and school supplies, as well as other basic merchandise.

The street’s name was established through Ordinance No. 2024-012, which City Councilor Jose B. Perez authored. The ordinance was enacted on February 6, 2024, and subsequently approved by Mayor Nelson S. Legacion on February 8, 2024.

Through unwavering dedication and hard work, Boning Sia Sr. transformed his small business into a cultural institution—one that has witnessed the ebb and flow of economic tides, technological advancements, and societal transformations.

The continuity of Boning’s Trading stands as proof of resilience and adaptability. Over the years, it has not only contributed significantly to the local economy but has also provided employment opportunities for countless individuals. The memories, traditions, and shared experiences associated with this establishment have been woven into the fabric of Naga City.

The family-owned enterprise, set up in 1949, has been in continuous operation with about 30 employees and personnel despite the challenges posed by bigger department stores and malls from Manila and Cebu.

At the unveiling ceremony of the street sign on March 15, 2024, Mayor Nelson Legacion emphasized that the gathering was not only a celebration of the street’s naming but also a fitting tribute to one of Naga’s local business industry icons whose words played a significant role in shaping the economic development of Naga during his time.

It was recounted in the ordinance that in the year 1924, 9-year-old Boning (Bonifacio Sia Sr.) was tagged along by her older sister in Bicol from Amoy, China. They settled in Barangay Ratay in Calabanga, Camarines Sur and stayed there for four years to pay for his fare working as a young household cook and helper. He then ventured alone in the nearby town of Naga where he worked as a rice and copra trader as a growing young man. When war broke out in 1941, he fled to Canaman town.

In the year 1946 when peace finally came, Boning married Dominga Villafranca Sy, a young lady from Daet, Camarines Norte, who was introduced to him by a friend. The couple started a “chucheria” along downtown General Luna Street where the present Naga City People’s Mall is located.

The Sia couple bore five children who are now all professionals and businessmen/women by themselves. One of three sons became a board topnotcher in civil engineering, an achievement for which his proud University of Nueva Caceres honored him in a victory parade throughout the major streets of the city. The engineer son, Ruben, upon the encouragement of then City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, laid the groundwork for the development of what is now known as Naga City’s Business District II which heretofore became the core of the city’s continually expanding business development plan.

In June 2016, during the Mayoral Awards as part of the city’s celebration of its 68th Charter Anniversary, the Sia family’s Boning’s Trading was bestowed the Leon SA Aureus Award. The citation reads: “It is looked up to as a major player in the local commercial and trading scene, earning along the way the people’s approval because it conducts business the old fashioned way: It offers various kinds of goods and supplies at affordable prices, shares generous donations in community projects and pays taxes honestly and religiously, consistently making it one of the top taxpayers in the city.

The elder Bonifacio Sia Sr., fondly called by his friends and customers as “Boning” peacefully joined his Creator last September 27, 1980.

Previous slide

Next slide

Written by: Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO)

Photo Contributions by: Ramil Herrera Jr. (CEPPIO) and Emman Cleofe (CEPPIO)

BFP-Naga marks fire prevention month with drills, inspections

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 02:15:29 +0000

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Naga City Central Fire Station is continuing its campaign to strengthen its program in connection with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month this March.

This month’s program includes an earthquake and fire drill, the continuation of their Oplan: Ligtas na Pamayanan, a road show to showcase personnel uniforms, equipment, and materials to students, as well as inspections of various schools and establishments.

In BFP-NCCFS’ report, there are 14 recorded fire cases in the city this year, two in January, seven in February, and four grass fires this month. Chief Inspector Marc Allan C. Consuegra, the Acting City Fire Marshal, highlighted that the usual causes of these fires are electric-related, including electrical overloading, defective outlets, and leaving unattended appliances plugged in.

On the other hand, the chief assured that the city has enough trucks and equipment to respond to the needs during fire incidents. The office currently owns six fire trucks and one rescue truck.

“Good housekeeping and extra caution.” This is what the chief reiterated when asked about his advice to residents. Keeping the house in order can help prevent further accidents such as fires.

BFP-NCCFS continues to conduct fire safety training, drills, and seminars in different schools and establishments as part of the celebration.

Written by Noreen Sophia Alegre (CEPPIO, Intern) and Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO).

Graphic layout by Racso Vitan (CEPPIO).

Naga joins global celebration of Women’s Month

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:59:32 +0000

NAGA City will join the rest of the world in having the Women’s Month celebration this March 2024.

City Councilor Gilda Gayle Abonal-Gomez, co-chairperson of the Naga City Council for Women (NCCW), said that the city government thru the NCCW and its partners have lined up significant activities that will be conducted during the month-long celebration.

In her letter to fellow advocates of the women’s sector in the city, Abonal-Gomez said the events will intensify the advocacy for women’s rights, women empowerment, and gender equality.

In her message before her colleagues in the city council, employees, and other officials of the local government unit, the legislator said that the celebration of Women’s Month “reminds us of the persistent efforts of the women sector throughout history in pursuit of justice, equality, and empowerment.”

She said that the NCCW reaffirms its commitment and continues to hold a collective responsibility in building a more equitable society. She stressed that the challenging task is a call to action. “It reminds us that the journey towards gender equality requires the active participation of all,” she said.

The councilor said that the year 2024 marks the 20th year when RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Children. “It was also in 2004 when I began my personal advocacy to work as a staunch supporter of violence against women and children.

With Mayor Nelson Legacion leading the advocacy for women in the city, Abonal-Gomez expressed optimism that the services and programs for the sector will be strengthened and become even more sustainable as it continues to maintain strong collaboration with NCCW, the board members, and executive officers.

This year’s celebration will be marked by an array of activities:

Messages of the city mayor, vice-mayor, and NCCW officers, oath-taking of NCCW officers and Belly Good officers, March 4; International Women’s Day Celebration (to be conducted in Legazpi City), March 8; City Hall Flag Ceremony, Ribbon Cutting, Opening of Trade Fair, and Cooking Demo, March 11;

Trade Fair at the City Hall grounds, March 11-15; Advocacy and screening on breast and cervical cancer (to be conducted by personnel of the City Health Office at the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum, and Naga City Bantay Familia Training Room, March 12;

Basic Attending Skills and Self Care (lecturer: Councilor Gayle), March 14; Orientation on the functionality of the GFPS members in the barangays, Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo, March 15; Online seminar on trauma care for school heads and guidance counselors with Councilor Gayle, March 16;

Lakas ng Kababaihan tree planting activity, residual containment area; lecture demo on solid waste to be conducted at the sanitary landfill in Barangay San Isidro, March 16; Revisiting the VAW referral system with service providers to be conducted at the Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo;

Orientation on localization of SSA ordinance for GAD focal point persons to be conducted at the Museo ni Jesse M. Robredo, March 19; Launch of the quarterly trainer’s training for quality and inclusive early child care and education initiative in Naga City, venue: Naga City Civic Center, March 21;

Rural Improvement Club activity (no final date yet); Naga City Bantay Familia (no final date yet); Women’s Month culminating activity, messages, and recognition of Nagueña achievers, Venue: Sta. Cruz Event Center.

For queries: you may call or send an SMS to CP No. 0999-4499129 or 09279818318.

Meanwhile, Legacion presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected and re-elected officers of the Naga City Council for Women, which took place after the flag-raising ceremony at Naga City Hall on Monday, March 4.

The recently appointed officers include Marivic Balance as President, Shyla Dumalasa as Vice-President, Engr. Herlyn Delos Reyes as Secretary, BJ De Asis as Treasurer, Engr. Flordeliza Azaña as Auditor, and Marilyn Dy as PIO.

This oath-taking event marked the commencement of the Women’s Month celebration in Naga City.

Balance affirmed her dedication to sustaining the council’s ongoing programs, stressing the collaborative efforts between the local government and the council to advance women empowerment and gender equality.

Reflecting on their longstanding partnership, Balance recalled, “Vice Mayor de Asis, when still a city councilor, and I, as the council’s president, were active partners with the city government in promoting gender equality and women empowerment.”

Looking ahead, Balance expressed optimism that their leadership would inspire progressive successors by the end of their term in 2026. She stated, “Hopefully, more leaders will emerge with progressive ideals.”

Following the ceremony, the Belly Gud Dancers marked the occasion with a performance, coinciding with their swearing-in on the same day.

Written by: Jason B. Neola (CEPPIO) and Jeena Clarisse Ansano (CEPPIO, Intern)

Photo by: Colline San Buenaventura (CEPPIO)

Naga’s General Hospital to start operations soon

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:34:21 +0000

IN a well-attended ceremony, Phase 1 of the ambitious P550-M Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) was blessed and inaugurated on Tuesday, December 12, paving the way for the anticipated commencement of its operations later this month.

The Department of Health in Bicol issued the hospital’s license to operate just two hours before the inaugural ceremony, solidifying the city government’s triumph in providing top-notch medical care and services at no cost to constituents.

Situated at the Balatas Development Center, alongside notable structures like the Center for Safety and Resiliency (CeSaR) and the Legacy Residences, the NCGH will initially function as a Level 1 hospital, utilizing the newly-completed Phase 1 building, which costs approximately P348-M.

Phase II, with a budgetary allocation of P250-M, is slated for construction in 2025 and is expected to be operational by 2026.

Dr. Joseph Sanchez, Chief of the Naga City Hospital (NCH) and poised to lead the NCGH, envisions the newly-built hospital offering expanded services surpassing those of the old hospital. Mayor Legacion’s commitment to equipping the NCGH with modern equipment ensures a standard of service that exceeds the offerings of the NCH.

City Councilor Jose Rañola, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on health, said that the NCGH sprawls across a 33,199-square-meter land, funded by the city’s loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines. He emphasized that the Naga City General Hospital stands as a testament to Mayor Legacion’s dedicated leadership in delivering quality services to Nagueño families.

A glance at the NCGH building layout reveals:

The general hospital boasts 95 beds and includes ancillaries such as an out-patient department, dietary building, administration office, utility services, a 2 MVA capacity power supply for the entire NCGH compound, cistern tank, and pump house.

Equipped with automated fire detection alarm and suppression system, air-conditioned rooms, fully digital and electronic-capable intercoms, automated oxygen gas outlet for ward rooms, and public Wi-Fi.

The hospital’s building layout indicates:

On the ground floor: emergency room with 12 beds, minor operating room, admission, main lobby/information center, 1 unit elevator, offices for accounting, billing, PhilHealth, social services, pharmacy, comfort rooms, CR for PWDs, clinical laboratory, radiology center, 12-bed capacity dialysis center, and medical gas manifold room.

On the second floor: operating room complex with instrument prep room, delivery room, labor room, 4 operating rooms, NICU, central supply room, high-risk four-bed labor room, four-bed recovery room, 2 two-bed ward rooms, 3 four-bed ward rooms, 3 five-bed ward rooms, one unit nurses’ station, and 1 one-bed isolation room, and common comfort room/PWD.

On the third floor: a doctors’ quarter, counsel/family/prayer room, department head office, DOH V-approved six-bed ICU center, 3-unit nurses’ station, 12 five-bed ward rooms, 1 two-bed ward room, 1 one-bed isolation room, newborn screening room, and a common comfort room/PWDs.

Written by Jason B. Neola, CEPPIO.

DILG V commends 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 03:11:16 +0000

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in celebration of Local Government Month, handed out awards and commendations at the Regional Recognition Ceremony 2023 in Legazpi City, Albay on October 23, 2023. Vice Mayor Cecilia B. Veluz-De Asis, together with City Councilors Jessie Albeus, Joselito Del Rosario, Jose Perez, Salvador Del Castillo, and Sanggunian Secretary Gil De La Torre, received the Local Legislative Award 2023 which was bestowed on Naga City as the Outstanding Sanggunian in the Independent Component City Category. The plaque reads:

“for the enactment of ordinances and resolutions that significantly contributed to the attainment of desirable socio-economic and environmental outcomes including the innovations and distinctive practices in local legislation worthy of replication by other sanggunians in the performance of their functions.”

The focus of assessment were viewed in light of the six award criteria, namely: Responsiveness of Legislative Agenda; Availability of Legislative Documents; Effectiveness of Performance of Sanggunian; Efficiency of Performance of Sanggunian; Legislative Citations and Awards; and Capacity of and Development for Legislators and Staff.

The Assessment Methodology involved a three-pronged process to ensure a detailed evaluation of the performance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga City. Firstly, the employment of Live Virtual (Hybrid) and Cloud-based evaluation wherein the Means of Verifications (MOV) submitted by the Sanggunian through Google Drive were carefully reviewed by the Regional Award Committee (RAC) members. An online interview with the representatives of the Sanggunian was subsequently conducted to validate key findings and clarify questions from the RAC.

Secondly, the RAC members individually rated the Sanggunian and descriptive statistics of averaging was applied. Lastly, the RAC considered the findings and noteworthy accomplishments of the Sanggunian based on the six award criteria. At this stage, the RAC made the final determination that the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga City has more than satisfactorily surpassed the criteria and qualified for endorsement to the National Awards Committee (NAC.)

The ordinances and resolutions that were reviewed by the Regional Awards Committee were enacted within the years 2019 – 2022, which fell under the term of the 13th Sanggunian Panlungsod. Newly-elected Vice Mayor Cecilia B. Veluz-De Asis served as the Presiding Officer of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod. Although this was her first term as Vice Mayor, she brought to the 13th SP a wealth of wisdom and experience cultivated in her more than three decades tour as a veteran public servant and legislator; 18 years of which as councilor in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Sanggunian.

Empowering Naga: Cultivating Culture, Inspiring Change

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:14:52 +0000

SEVERAL months ago, Mayor Nelson Legacion entrusted the City Events, Protocol, and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) with the pivotal task of overseeing programs and projects that would propel Naga’s Arts and Culture to the forefront of the city’s identity.

Under the guidance of CEPPIO Chief Allen Reondanga, one of the primary initiatives implemented was the Local Historical Markers Program. This involved the installation of historical markers at revered institutions such as the University of Nueva Caceres, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, the Naga Parochial School, and the Naga College Foundation.

Moreover, the office successfully standardized stipends for local artists and performers, a significant accomplishment notably unveiled during the captivating series of concerts titled “Sulog.”

A highlight in the city’s charter day anniversary celebration, “Siram,” a vibrant Charter Food Fest on June 18, this year, delighted both Nagueños and visitors alike, showcasing the city’s culinary prowess.

During the Peñafrancia festival, the Tagboan Banchetto, held from the traslacion procession to the fluvial procession, drew in thousands of pilgrims, devotees, and guests, amplifying the cultural experience.

Presently, the Office is dedicated to the city’s cultural mapping project, aimed at documenting the city’s history, heritage, culture, and culinary traditions, including a detailed inventory of the historic buildings and structures especially in the Central Business District I.

In addition, the Local Creative Economic Empowerment Program encourages local talents to create artworks that can be utilized as tokens for various events, while the Tagboan Art Fair proudly exhibits products from local art groups like Salingoy and Kintab.

The city government has also fostered partnerships with organizations like Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement, Ateneo Social Science Department, and Adhika to further heritage promotion.

Cultural events such as the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival and NagaLakaw, in collaboration with the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, are being actively promoted.

Future endeavors include the completion of significant structures next year, including the Naga City Cultural Center at People’s Park and Recreational Center. This multifaceted facility, as per the blueprints, will encompass a theatre, gallery, co-working space, dance and music studio, and an open concert ground.

Simultaneously, the development of the Naga City Governance Museum at Plaza Quezon, Naga City High School for the Arts, and the Naga City Artists Registry are envisioned to fortify the city’s cultural landscape. Plans for an edifice dedicated to managing and promoting art competitions, as well as spaces for training local artists, are also in the pipeline.

Cultural mapping, as a methodological tool, endeavors to illuminate the ways in which local stories, traditions, relationships, memories, and rituals define and enrich the significance of various locations within the city.

Furthermore, the unwavering support of the constituents has been an invaluable source of inspiration for the administration of Mayor Nelson Legacion and Vice Mayor Cecilia de Asis. Their steadfast support serves as a driving force, inspiring the city officials to continuously strive for the betterment of Nagueños. Their dedication to service is amplified by the resounding encouragement and trust bestowed upon them by the people they serve.

Jason B. Neola, CEPPIO.