City of Naga – CITY OF NAGA

MNWD enhances water infrastructure for future growth

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:50:29 +0000

THE Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) is pursuing its expansion program to meet the water requirements of its concessionaires, particularly in Naga, a rapidly growing city. In the coming years, Naga will be operating the 25-hectare Naga City Industrial Park (NCIP).

MNWD General Manager Florencio Tam Mongoso Jr. disclosed that his office is negotiating with the city government to procure a parcel of land for the expansion program.

The undertaking is part of the water firm’s preparation that aims to ensure the delivery of the required volume of potable water to various factories at the NCIP, located in the city’s economic zone along Nursery Road in Barangay Carolina.

Mongoso mentioned that the targeted land parcel is an ideal water source, capable of producing 30 to 60 liters of water per second. Considering the NCIP’s water requirements, the MNWD plans to establish multiple sources of potable water in the area to provide alternatives in case one source becomes defective.

The need for multiple water pumps is driven by the expectation that the factories will operate 24/7 and expand their operations over the next 5 to 10 years. Mongoso also noted the potential for more residential or commercial developments near the NCIP, as seen in other economic zones.

Mongoso said that the technical description of the MNWD project is underway and expressed hope that it will be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for deliberation and approval by August.

NCIP offers industrial lots for sale or lease, a commercial strip accommodating up to sixteen establishments, a public transport terminal, a cargo terminal, a power sub-station, a water treatment facility, and a gasoline station. These amenities create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The establishment of NCIP is anticipated to provide a significant economic boost to Naga City and the Bicol region. Investments from manufacturing firms are expected to reach billions of pesos, generating thousands of direct manufacturing jobs. Fuji Industries Naga Corp., the first ecozone locator, alone plans to employ 1,500 people at full operation.

Based on this projection, NCIP could potentially create up to 12,000 direct jobs for the region. Additionally, the ecozone will stimulate the growth of support industries, further increasing employment opportunities.

Aside from the multimillion-peso project benefiting the NCIP, the water district is developing four distribution lines, interconnections, and loop connections. This infrastructure aims to ensure the continuous supply of potable water, even if a pumping station becomes defective. If a pumping station fails, other stations can augment the water supply to the affected areas.

He explained that loop lines prevent total water outages in affected areas, ensuring a reliable water supply. The project is progressing, and MNWD technical personnel have begun seeking approval from the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipalities within the MNWD’s coverage area.

He emphasized that interconnections and loop lines are essential since all potable water sources are in Naga City. These connections will ensure water reaches even the remotest areas of the municipalities served by MNWD. Without loop lines or interconnections, any defect in pumping stations would disrupt the water supply to far-flung areas, impacting numerous concessionaires.

Mongoso also addressed concerns about purchasing water from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

He reassured farmers that MNWD would only buy excess water, not the volume needed for their fields. The NIA agreed to sell water to MNWD because the number of rice fields is decreasing, and the irrigation water allocated to them is not fully utilized. He assured that farmers would still have priority access to irrigation water.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Naga declares Spanish-era buildings as Important Cultural Properties

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:07:26 +0000

The Sanggunian Resolution declaring as important cultural properties (ICP) the two Spanish-era stone buildings located in Barangay San Francisco in downtown Naga has finally been approved after it was signed by City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion and formally transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session last Tuesday, June 25.

Resolution No. 2024-264 is actually a repassed resolution with amendments after satisfying the mayor’s earlier request to bolster the original Resolution No. 2024-054 with more proof and evidentiary documents to declare the ancient structures as important landmarks.

The two stone buildings are situated in a property along Penafrancia Avenue that once belonged to the provincial government of Camarines Sur and sold to then PhilAm Life Insurance Company sometime in early 1990s under then Gov. Luis Villafuerte. For over 30 years now, the property was left idle until it was resold about two years ago to Nagaland Development Corporation (NDC) owned by the family of Atty. William Enrile. The private company has been known to have bought several prime properties in the city’s old business district and elsewhere and turned them into a mall, hotel or leased to other commercial establishments.

On November 16, 2022, the National Historical Commission (NHCP) issued a cease-and-desist order to NDC chairman Atty. William Enrile “suspending all activities involving the demolition of built-heritage (referring to the two remnant Spanish-era stone buildings located in Barangay San Francisco along Penafrancia Avenue)”.

On October 10, 2023 Mayor Legacion wrote Atty. Enrile a letter reminding him of the city government’s commitment to preserve its rich history and culture and suggested the adoption of “adaptive reuse” to conserve the site while utilizing the structures for whatever purpose the Enriles, as private owners, may intend to do.

But on the 20th of the same month, Atty. Enrile wrote Mayor Legacion to request “for non-inclusion of said colonial structures from the Naga City Ordinance No. 2003-003 listing (of) certain cultural and heritage buildings, inasmuch as the property has not been proven to have any cultural or historical significance/importance other than being old buildings.”

When Mayor Legacion requested for a technical team from NHCP to come to Naga City to settle whether or not to lift the presumption as important cultural property of the old Spanish-era buildings, Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, the new NHCP chairman, responded that “only the NHCP Board of Commissioners has the authority to approve or disapprove the lifting of presumption as ICP thru an NHCP board resolution.”

Calairo instead requested the Naga City government “to submit a resolution stating that the said structures … either hold or do not possess any local historical, socio-cultural, and architectural significance as requisite for the lifting of presumption process”.

Thereupon, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Commission on Culture and the Arts chaired by Councilor Joe Perez, called for a series of hearings and consultations inviting all stakeholders in the arts and culture sector and the Nagaland Development Corporation to exhaustively discuss the matter. The ensuing consultations and deliberations lasted for over a year which included research, document retrievals, and constant travels to the national library, museums, and the National Archives, books and journals, surviving witness’s accounts, ocular inspection, and even correspondence from the Spanish Archives in Madrid. The local architects even presented proposed designs for “adaptive reuse” which are similar to or patterned from Manila’s surviving historical landmarks and those from abroad.

The first resolution by the Sangguniang Panlungsod was unanimously passed in early 2004 declaring the contested site as an important cultural property because they hold local historical, socio-cultural, and architectural significance and should therefore be part of Naga’s heritage and history.

But the request of the mayor for more reference materials – not only position papers, letters, or arguments – as factual basis for him to finally act on the matter led Councilor Perez and his SP committee members to go back to work and asked the parties concerned – Nagaland Development Corp on one hand and at least 7 groups/organizations belonging to the arts and culture sector including the local chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) on the other to submit their final positions backed up by more factual materials within a period.

In the repassed Resolution No. 2024-264, more annexes were attached bolstering the cultural and historical, as well as architectural significance of the Spanish-era landmarks.

In one of the annexes, the building ruins themselves were presented, especially the inscription with “1826” on the right hand building and the discernable Spanish-era stone material and architecture of the two buildings similar to other 19th century Spanish buildings in the Philippines.

Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, himself a historian and rector of the ancient Seminario Conciliar de Caceres (otherwise known now as the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary), shared with the committee an 11-page “Summary of Manuscripts found in the Archivo Historico Nacional de Madrid” listing manuscripts and photographs of some of the sketches of the two old building’s locations and designs.

In a note, he wrote that “(h)istoricity is not limited to a single event like that most claimed that Alias Angeles and Felix Plazo were imprisoned in these calabozos (jails). A building or a house may be historically valuable if it can be an example of a style of architecture or an industrial process that’s no longer used, or simply for its age…”

He further stressed that “(e)ncouraging historical thinking using buildings offers the opportunity to model historical expertise that grounds historical inquiry in places and media that are accessible and meaningful to students at every level of historical interest, ability, and understanding.”

Formally acknowledging receipt of the copy of the approved Resolution during last Tuesday’s session of the Sanggunian, Councilor Perez expressed his gratitude to Mayor Nelson Legacion, SP Presiding Officer Vice Mayor Nene de Asis, his fellow councilors, and the various stakeholders, including the Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement, the UAP Naga chapter, Sumaro, and the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition, for firmly playing their roles that eventually resulted to the declaration of the Spanish-era structures in Naga City as important cultural properties.

Perez said the Resolution’s approval was a triumph for Naga, its rich history and culture.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Naga marks 76th Charter Day with new tourism brand ‘Naga ‘Yon’

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:23:38 +0000

MAYOR Nelson Legacion addressed a jam-packed Plaza Rizal on Tuesday, marking the 76th anniversary of Naga City’s charter status with a speech that honored the past and outlined an ambitious future.

“Today, 76 years ago, Republic Act 305 was signed. RA 305 was introduced as House Bill 1255, penned by former Congressman Juan Q. Miranda, whom we regard as the father of making Naga a chartered city,” Legacion said.

The legislation allowed Naga to operate independently from the provincial government of Camarines Sur, establishing its governance and setting the stage for its growth.

The crowd, estimated at over a thousand, included city government officials, city department heads, business leaders from the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, school presidents and administrators, barangay officials from the city’s 27 villages, heads of various national government agencies, members of the Bicol Regional Tourism Council, the Bicol Association of Travel and Tour Operators, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, and other tourism-related organizations.

Legacion praised Miranda for his vision and conviction in Naga’s potential. “Miranda’s belief in Naga’s capability to propel progress and development has guided our leaders through the years. We see the good results of that belief in Naga today,” he said.

Highlighting Naga’s prominence, Legacion noted, “Naga has been recognized as the premier city in Bicol, the regional center of trade, commerce, education, culture, and good local governance. For a long time, Naga has strived to develop by integrating taglines such as ‘The Heart of Bicol’ and ‘An Maogmang Lugar,’ each capturing the essence of our city at different times.”

Looking to the future, Legacion called for positioning Naga as a globally competitive city, building on recent national honors, including being named the Top 1 Most Competitive Component City in the Philippines for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

However, Legacion emphasized the importance of maintaining Naga’s cultural roots. “We want to become globally competitive without disregarding our roots as Nagueños and Filipinos. As we chart more paths for our city, we carry those identities with us as the foundation of our advancements,” he said.

In a move to boost tourism and development, Legacion launched the city’s new tourism brand: NagaYon.

Developed through consultations and discussions led by the Investment and Tourism Promotion Office, NagaYon aims to capture the spirit and distinctiveness of Naga City.

“NagaYon reflects our current situation and future objectives. It mirrors our desire for Naga to be recognized for its unique qualities, whether in cuisine, scenic places, local traditions, events, or festivities,” he explained.

The mayor elaborated that NagaYon means “Becoming more beautiful” in English, symbolizing the city government’s ongoing drive for improvement and innovation. “The new tourism brand shall be both a source of pride and an encouragement for us as we strive towards a more progressive future for Naga,” he added.

“As we witness the evolving and constantly NagaYon state of Naga, we find more reasons to be proud of our city,” Legacion said. He concluded his speech by urging the community to work together in making Naga an even better place for everyone.

Naga City Councilor Joe Perez, chairman of the SP committee on culture and the arts, as well as of the committee on tourism, is a member of the Naga City brand conceptualization team, along with other local artists, diocesan members, and tourism stakeholders invited by City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion to come together in a series of meetings, consultation, and critiquing until a final design has been collectively agreed on.

This is what he says about “Naga ‘yon!’, the city’s new tourism brand:

Naga’s rich history and heritage began some 400 years ago. A native settlement by the river became one of the four original Spanish royal cities throughout the country. With its present landscape, the city has grown into a modern urban center. Since then everyone wants to be in, to be part of its amazing transformation, embrace its colorful past, and celebrate with its many triumphs here and now.

But Naga is more than just a place. It embodies the spirit of the people with its unique cuisine, literature, colorful festivals, music and religious rites, lush forests and other natural bounties. Its brand of hospitality has made it one large heart that is home to anyone who seeks rest, recreation and progress. And with its ambivalent sound and sights, colors, and the warmth of its people, one is wont to ask: “Pray tell me, what is that terrific place that people are talking hereabout?” and “Why am I so in love with it, with its people, with its food?”

The answer: “Dahil Naga ‘yon!” (Because Naga it is!)

Indeed, Naga in the heart of Bicol (highlighted by the heart shape) is an admixture of the colors red, orange, yellow, green and blue that solidify into one unique character as symbolized by the colors that are used in the Naga ‘Yon logo.

His persona, the Nagueno, is full of love, energy and passion only a caring heart can give. His youth and sense of hope are as pronounced as the color yellow. The color orange speaks of his strong drive for creativity, innovation and change. He always strives to face the challenges and pave the way for more growth, prosperity and wealth.

As a child of the Green Earth, he cares for the environment and takes each day as a new leaf to create more opportunities. His dreams and ambitions, his compassion, wisdom and search for truth are as boundless as the blue sky.

While he is looked up to as a person of honor, piety and courage, the Nagueno is also known to be calm and responsible, proud of his heritage and respectful of his elders.

The color white provides a neutral backdrop to allow the other colors speak with a louder voice in the collective discourse for what is best for the city.
Naga ‘yon! A place that is beautiful. A place where one should be.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Naga slates 1st Anti-Dangerous Drugs Summit

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:41:54 +0000

THE local judiciary and City Government of Naga will host the city’s first-ever Anti-Dangerous Drugs Summit on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

The summit aims to educate law enforcers on new court guidelines to prevent the dismissal of cases due to technicalities.

The initiative, proposed by Executive Judge Pablo Cabillan Formaran III of the Regional Trial Court, who is also the Naga City Justice Zone (NCJZ) Convenor, seeks to align law enforcement practices with recent judicial procedures.

The summit will feature participation from lawyers, prosecutors, judges, law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders, providing a platform to discuss and understand the latest rules for filing drug charges.

Renne Gumba, Executive Director of the Public Safety Office, highlighted the urgency of this summit. He noted that many cases are dismissed due to law enforcement’s lack of awareness of new procedures.

He cited the Rochelle Bandojo case, dismissed in July 2023 over technical issues, as a prime example.

“I believe that this summit will address these challenges by enhancing the knowledge of our police and other law enforcers, from evidence gathering to case filing and courtroom presentation,” Gumba stated.

He emphasized that the summit aligns with Naga’s status as a ‘Justice Zone,’ a designation by the Supreme Court aimed at expediting and thoroughly resolving court cases.

The summit will also cover court requirements to ensure cases are not dismissed, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to stay updated with new regulations. Gumba expressed hope that decision-makers at the executive level will actively participate in the event.

Mayor Nelson Legacion and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Task Force are intensifying efforts against illegal drugs, with initiatives such as clearing the Sagrada Familia community of drug operations and promoting the “Isumbong Ang Pusher” hotline.

Gumba believes that the summit will bolster these efforts, reducing the dismissal of drug-related cases and strengthening the city’s fight against illegal drugs.

The summit will be conducted at the Primus Hotel and Resort in Barangay Pacol, starting at 1:00 PM with opening remarks by Vice-Executive Judge Jorge John DS. Aganan, presiding judge of RTC Branch 26. Executive Judge and Presiding Judge of RTC Br. 3 (Balanga City) Marion Jacqueline P. Poblete will deliver the keynote address, followed by a message from City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion.

During the summit proper, Police Major Rodolfo Zamudio, acting chief of CIU, will discuss the drug situation, challenges, issues, and recommendations. Prosecutor Nestor Delos Reyes will address legal concerns, the conviction rate, challenges, issues, and recommendations. Atty. Alex Tejerero, a prosecution attorney, will give a talk on prosecution.

Executive Judge Pablo C. Formaran III will cover drug case disposal, other legal concerns, challenges, and recommendations. Mayor Legacion will share interventions, related projects, and recommendations from LGU Naga.

Judge Valentin R. Pura Jr. and Prosecutor Romell Chrisante F. Agbayani will serve as facilitators during the open forum. Judge Melita Pilar P. Briñas Agbayani will summarize the agreements and decision points, and City Prosecutor Ruvi Jean V. Cariño will conclude the activity with her closing remarks.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Naga hosts 3-day ICT regional summit

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:29:38 +0000

THE LAST 3 days of May were exciting days for Naga and the ICT industry in the Bicol Region.

Starting with a Regional ICT Summit and Exhibitions (RISE Region 5) at the Alingal Multipurpose Hall in Ateneo de Naga University on May 28, two more ITC-related events followed in the next two days in the same venue with participating IT students from other colleges and universities in Bicol, industry leaders from here and Manila, as well as innovators and educators.

The 3-day IT event was organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in collaboration with the City Government of Naga, the Ateneo, and various private IT stakeholders.

On that first day, Mayor Nelson Legacion delivered the welcome address with emphasis on creating 28,000 jobs by 2028, fueled by the growth of the IT-BPM industry in Naga.

Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, shared the importance of Making Academe, Government, and Industry Collaborate (MAGIC) in the advancement of the IT industry.

The second day was the Digital Innovation for Women’s Advancement (DIWA) conference. No less than Vice Mayor Nene De Asis, best known for the advancement of women’s rights and gender development was the welcome speaker.

It aimed to unite women leaders from diverse sectors, underscoring the need for more women representation in the ICT industry.

DICT Undersecretary Sigue, along with DICT 5 Regional Director Rachel Ann Grabador, shared a common advocacy of leveraging women’s roles in ICT and promoting gender equality.

On the third day, at the same Fr. Alingal Hall of the Ateneo, Councilor Joe Perez, SP committee chair on trade, investment, and economic enterprises, gave the final welcome address on the concluding Digital Careers Expo.

He stressed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Naga plays a pivotal role in the economic advancement of the Bicol region.

“We have our various institutions that offer ICT-related courses and training programs. These range from basic computer literacy to advanced courses in software development, cybersecurity, and data science, “Perez said. He added that “Local universities and colleges often collaborate with tech companies to ensure that their curricula are aligned with industry needs.”

He also disclosed that the city government Nag City has a Startup incentive program that provides scholarships and financial assistance to students and young creatives and innovators. “The Naga City Investment Board, the Naga City ICT Council, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, through the SP Committee on Trade and Investments, are taking lead roles in the promotion and full nurturing of this program which today had already extended financial and technical assistance to young startups and innovators from different schools in Naga City, notably Ateneo de Naga, Naga College Foundation, University of Nueva Caceres and the Bicol State College for Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST),“ the city councilor added.

He cited three key areas where Naga is taking a lead role in opening opportunities for the IT-BPM industry in Bicol:

Naga is among the 5 cities in the Philippines to be included in StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index since 2022;
Naga has 5 PEZA-registered IT Parks and 1 Industrial Ecozone;
Naga has the 6th highest number of tertiary institutions in the country, consistently improving and adapting to meet the needs of the academe;
Naga has been the over-all most competitive component city in the country for three consecutive years now (2021-2023). It also ranked 1st in Innovation as one of the competitive index pillars; and that

The City Councilor has also revealed that per information from Mayor Legacion, a successful BPO company has relayed interest in locating a branch office in Naga with 200 slots to be initially filled up in the next few months.

City streets named after Roco, Felipe Jr

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:38:37 +0000

TWO busy unnamed streets in the city Central Business District 2 will be named after two distinguished Nagueño political leaders and statesmen

Based on two separate proposed ordinances authored by Councilor Joe Perez, the street from the corner of Panganiban Avenue passing through the west side of St. Joseph School up to the corner of Boning Sia Sr. Street shall be named Ramon H. Felipe Jr. Street.

The street from the corner of Boning Sia Sr. Street leading to Roxas Avenue (Naga Diversion Road), on the other hand, will be named Raul S. Roco Street.

Ramon Felipe

Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. was a former City Mayor of Naga under whose watch the Naga City Public Market (now Naga City People’s Mall) was built in the 1960s to become the biggest single-roofed public market in Southeast Asia.

In 1945, the young Felipe placed 3^rd in the Philippine Bar exams, even before formally graduating from law school. Running as an independent LP candidate, Ramon became the mayor of Naga City in 1963 and served until 1965.

Before he could finish his term, he was drafted by his party to run for Congressman of the first district of Camarines Sur (the province then was divided into only two districts, with Naga City belonging to the first district). In 1969, he was elected House Minority Floor Leader.

When martial law was declared in 1972, Ramon returned to his private law practice.

President Ferdinand Marcos, under pressure to assign an opposition member to the Commission on Elections, appointed Ramon in time to oversee the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections. He continued to assume the same post under President Cory Aquino until he retired on February 3, 1988.

Ramon Jr. passed away on June 15, 2017, and was buried at the Sto. Nino Memorial Park.

Raul Roco

Raul Sagarbarria Roco was a prominent lawyer whose political career started when he ran and won as the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention in the early 70s. After Martial Law, he won as congressman of the 2^nd now 3^rd district of Camarines Sur in 1987.

As a senator from 1992-2000, he authored bills that reformed the central banking system, liberalized the local banking industry, strengthened thrift banks, protected intellectual property rights, and created the new securities regulation code.

He was the standard-bearer of Aksyon Demokratiko, which he founded in 1997 as a vehicle for his presidential bids in 1998 and 2004. He was Secretary of the Department of Education under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

He died on August 5, 2005 due to prostate cancer.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

Naga to have new fire HQ, more modern life-saving equipment

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 15 May 2024 03:05:49 +0000

THE Naga City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will finally have a bigger and more accessible modern headquarters within a complex in the fast developing Balatas Development Center in Barangay Balatas.

Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion and BFP Bicol Regional Director Ricardo C. Perdigon, DSC, led the groundbreaking rites last Tuesday morning, along with Vice Mayor Nene de Asis and some city councilors.

City Fire Marshall Marc Allan Consuegra was on hand to give the welcome remarks during the brief program. Rev. Fr. Marcel Real led the blessing of the site. Also present were representatives from the city’s fire volunteer groups, such as Chin Po Tung and Naga White.

In his keynote speech, Mayor Legacion said that the proposed fire headquarters will be the first to rise in a one-hectare complex, whose land the city government donated to accommodate other life-saving and life-protecting agencies such as a bigger Naga City Police Station, the Center for Safety and Resiliency (CeSaR), the Naga City Disaster Management Office, a Police Forensics Laboratory, and the Naga City Police Station which earlier this year also broke ground for its proposed central headquarters.

All these will rise in the now popularly known Balatas Development Center started by the current city administration that so far has hosted the newly-opened Naga City General Hospital, the first of its kind of a city government-run hospital in Bicol with a separate Out-Patient Department; a modern 2-storey Evacuation Center; the Balatas National High School whose modern structure and facilities make it look like a private high school; and a Livelihood Center. Other constructions within the development site, such as the annex buildings of the Balatas NHS, and a modern-designed dormitel are ongoing.

The lands donated by the city for the proposed complex made it possible for the said offices, which had funds for the construction of their own buildings and equipment, to locate and build their bigger offices in the city at the most expedient time.

Regional Fire Marshall Perdigon, a Nagueno who had been assigned elsewhere in many fire stations in Metro Manila, including Makati before his assignment in Bicol, said he sees the construction of a bigger fire station here which will be the most modern in Bicol as very timely because Naga is fast developing as a highly urbanized city with its burgeoning commerce and industry and increasing population.

Perdigon added that apart from the new fire headquarters, he already foresees the need to construct more fire substations in other parts of the city, which incidentally jibes with the city mayor’s earlier plan to put up such substations in strategic locations in the city’s central business districts and the barangays.

He said he would do the best that he can to provide the Naga BFP headquarters with the most modern anti-fire equipment such as trucks and taller ladders that he saw in other bigger cities in the country, including a fire boat or two to be dispatched along the Naga River.

The Naga BFP headquarters has a fund allocation of P21.1M from the national government to complete its construction.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

City councilor proposes ordinance to limit mobile phone use during class hours

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 15 May 2024 03:05:30 +0000

CITY Councilor Joselito S.A. Del Rosario is advocating for the enactment of a city ordinance that aims to regulate mobile phones and similar electronic gadgets during class hours in public and private elementary and secondary schools in Naga City.

The ordinance also establishes standards for constituting a technical working group for such purpose.

During a privileged speech at the recent regular session, Del Rosario, who chairs the committee on education at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, emphasized that while technology has undeniably improved classroom instruction and the learning environment, its abuse or inappropriate use can lead to many disadvantages within the classroom setting.

Del Rosario acknowledged that technological tools have been shown to increase student engagement, access to resources, and overall learning but stressed the need for strict regulation.

He cited the unregulated use of mobile phones by students during class hours as a significant issue, allowing access to various social media sites and causing distractions, loss of attention, and eventual difficulty in comprehension, which hinders competency development.

To support his arguments, Del Rosario used as a reference various studies and research showing a direct correlation between literacy levels and unsupervised gadget use, particularly during classroom discussions.

He cited the 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report of UNESCO, which highlighted distractions caused by gadgets in 14 countries and recommended banning phones in schools. Countries such as France, Finland, China, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal have already implemented such bans.

Del Rosario pointed out that unlike these countries, the Philippines currently lacks similar prohibitions on cellphone use in schools.

He urged his colleagues in the city council to pass the proposed ordinance, emphasizing the importance of enhancing efforts to improve the performance of Filipino students in global rankings.

Citing the poor performance of the Philippines in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranking, Del Rosario highlighted the urgency of the situation. Filipino students, according to a report on December 5, 2023, are five to six years behind their foreign peers in learning competencies.

The proposed ordinance’s explanatory note states that regulating mobile phones and similar electronic gadgets used by students during class hours is seen as a beneficial undertaking to reduce unnecessary distractions, enhance focus in classroom discussions, and improve the overall learning and competency development of the Nagueño students.

Written by Jason Neola (CEPPIO)

PAGCOR Building, not hazardous; all issues addressed

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 08 May 2024 08:00:51 +0000

Recent reports have been circulating regarding the construction of the PAGCOR Multipurpose Evacuation Center located within the Balatas Development Complex being regarded as “hazardous”.

While some plumbing and waterproofing issues were identified, they were all resolved by the City Engineer’s Office. All items in the audit observation memorandum issued by the Commission on Audit were addressed comprehensively, with only minor corrections. During the inspection, the building was certified as structurally sound and ready for occupancy. All repairs will be charged to its contractor, JRMX Construction & General Merchandise, as stated in their letter dated April 27, 2024.

Just recently, the Center was opened to serve evacuees from Looban 2 of Balatas during the fire incident at the closed Balatas Dumpsite. The Center has also hosted numerous large crowd events since its completion in 2022.

Naga to further improve its garbage disposal system

CEPPIO Naga — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:00:40 +0000

IN an effort to enhance its garbage disposal system, the local government unit of Naga, through its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), is organizing a seminar-workshop.

The initiative aims to familiarize the city’s 27 barangays with effective approaches for waste management, capacitating them to characterize, interpret, and analyze waste. The waste data gathering and analysis seminar is scheduled for, March 22. It will be conducted on the second floor of the PAGCOR Multipurpose Evacuation Center at the Balatas Development Complex.

Engr. Joel Martin, head of SWMO, emphasizes that the project intends to deepen waste management practices. Key components include garbage segregation, active stakeholder participation, proper disposal of biodegradable waste, and accurate identification of recyclable materials.

Participants in the seminar-workshop will include members of barangay councils responsible for environmental matters, personnel overseeing Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in the barangays, and SWMO staff.

Edgar Sanorjo, SWMO Administrative Officer V, highlights the importance of this activity. It will equip MRF overseers with the necessary knowledge to complete the MRF Weekly Monitoring Form and the Self-Compliance Monitoring and Auditing Report (SCMAR).

These reports are crucial for the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) evaluation process for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment.

“There are barangays that do not have accurate and updated data on MRF operations because their overseers are devoid of the proper training in MRF data recording and analysis, thus finding it difficult for the barangays to submit SCMAR on time,” Sanorjo said.

Alvin Recto, in charge of the city’s Waste Analysis and Characterization Study, emphasizes the significance of sharing best practices and case studies related to waste data management.

Gathering and analysis techniques will be imparted to the participants during the seminar, which, among other objectives, will serve as an avenue to foster collaboration and networking among the participants.

(Jason Neola, CEPPIO)

Better Health Services for Nagueños through the Naga City General Hospital

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:08 +0000

Almost 300 patients have availed of the services offered by the new Naga City General Hospital at the Balatas Development Center during the first few weeks of the new year. This is one of the many findings that City Councilor Sonny Rañola, Chairman of the Committee on Health, and Dr. Joseph Sanchez, Chief of Hospital of the Naga City General Hospital made during their regular hospital inspection. Aside from the Outpatient and Emergency Room Services that have been fully operational since the opening of the hospital, other services have been included as part of its repertoire. Among these are the Animal Bite Treatment Clinic, Radiation, Laboratory, Admitting, Isolation Rooms, and Pharmacy Services.

Based on the initial Statistical Report of the Naga City General Hospital during the first two weeks of operation for January, an average of 150 patients a day have availed of the hospital’s Outpatient Services. An average of 44 patients a day have been admitted to the Emergency Room while an average of 21 patients have been confined in the wards of the hospital.

Aside from the usual services offered, specialized procedures and facilities are also ready for use like the Pre-Natal Screening Rooms and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The hospital is also admitting General Surgery Operations which include Cesarean section for pregnant women in need of surgical delivery. Just last week, a team of healthcare professionals were able to conduct a Cholecystectomy or Gall Bladder Removal Operation as well as an Appendectomy done to one of the patients admitted at the hospital.

One of the highlight services of the Naga City General Hospital is its Outpatient Department, where 1,203 patients were serviced during the first two weeks of the month. At the moment, the Outpatient Department building is still in its final stages of construction, and so for the meantime, admission of Outpatients are being held at the Dialysis Center of the hospital. Eden Pastor, one of the patients of the NCGH, was convinced of the services offered by the hospital. She found the process of availing medical consultation simple and easy to follow.

In connection with the growth of the city’s medical infrastructure and increase in the services offered, the City Government also availed of two new ambulance units for the Naga City General Hospital and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for use in Emergency Response situations.

These new and improved facilities will greatly benefit Nagueños in satisfying their medical needs. The city’s economic growth is one thing, but caring for the well-being of the Nagueño is another. And so the creation of more modern facilities and services will equate to not just an improvement in health, but also as a catalyst for job opportunities for our local health practitioners and professionals.

(Agnete Jonathan Noble, CEPPIO)

Optimizing local funds: Naga focuses on nat’l gov’t-funded projects

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 02:00:35 +0000

SAYING that “things are looking good for Naga,” Mayor Nelson Legacion reported to a jam-packed Naga City People’s Hall on Monday that the city government had generated around P1.5 billion from the national government to finance the construction of various infrastructure projects for the year 2024.

“We do not need to spend our own money for the construction of various facilities that we have in mind since the city government is able to access funds from different offices and agencies of the national government,” he said.

The city mayor told the employees of the local government that, like any other LGU, the lion’s share from the city government’s 2024 budget of P1.65 billion would go to personnel services, such as salaries, incentives, and other benefits, totalling P689 million.

Under general services, the city allocated P158 million for the salaries and other benefits of contractual and ‘job order’ employees. This amount brings the total to P847 million, representing 51% of the annual budget of the LGU for the current year.

The second-largest allocation, P510 million, goes to social services, including the allocation for various health programs of the city. P265 million of that amount is intended for the operations of the City Health Office, the Naga City General Hospital, and the city government’s primary healthcare facilities.

In education, the city has allocated P239 million, from which the P109 million allocation for the construction of new school buildings will be sourced. Included in that budget is the P130 million for the Special Education Fund (SEF), falling under the social services category. The city, therefore, has a total budget of P640 million for its social services, the second-largest allocation after personnel services.

Other allocations under social services include the City Social Welfare and Development Office (P62 million), Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (P60 million), Persons with Disability Affairs office (P60 million), the city’s scholarship program (P6 million), the Quality Universal Education Empowerment in Naga (QUEEN) program and Sanggawadan (P16 million).

In economic services, the city allocated P251 million, with the Naga City People’s Mall receiving the largest slice of P71 million, and the budget for the waste-water treatment facility in the amount of P27 million will be sourced.

The city’s 2023 budget was P1,511,000,000.00 (P1.511 billion) or lower than this year’s P1.650 billion by P138 million or 8.39%.

With the increase in this year’s budget, the city government sees the opportunity to implement its plan this year to raise the salaries of ‘job order’ and contractual personnel, as promised by the city mayor last year.

Legacion’s successful acquisition of funds from different offices and agencies of the national government received a favorable response from the elated employees who told him to continue like what the Sorsogon City and other LGUs are doing to achieve infrastructure development.

The mayor was able to continuously generate funds from the national government despite the fact that the city government officials have no political allies who can be of help in securing funds for the city government’s infrastructure development and other projects.

Recently, the city government received a check from the Dept. of Health worth P110 million. The fund, which was acquired thru the AKO Bicol partylist, will be spent as medical assistance for indigent patients (MAIP). The funds were sourced by Legacion through Congressman Zaldy Co, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.

The city will also receive from the national government through the AKO Bicol P100 million for the rehabilitation of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum.

A fund in the amount of P20 million was also committed to the city by Sen. Bong Go. The fund will be spent to complete the equipment needed at the city’s Dialysis Center. In 2023, the senator sent P20 million intended for the procurement of various hospital equipment at the Naga City General Hospital.

The list of other projects for the year 2024 that secured funding assistance from the national government through the mayor’s initiative:

Building to be constructed at Plaza Quezon, P190 million from the office of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa acquired through the effort of City Councilor Ramon Melvin “Omar” Buenafe.
Construction of structures at Paseo de San Francisco, P30 million from the office of Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian.
Construction of Bagumbayan Sur-Queborac Road, P15million from the office of Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who is also the source of funds spent to expand the road from Magsaysay Avenue to the Naga City Science High School.
Construction of the proposed Naga City Convention Center, P100 million from the office of Sen. Joel Villanueva, who earlier provided the city with P100 million for the construction of the Center for Safety and Resiliency (CeSaR), the construction of this facility is now going on.
Construction of the Farm-to-Market Road in Barangay Carolina, P10-M from the office of Sen. Lito Lapid.
Construction of Farm-to-Market Road in Barangay Cararayan, P39-M and in Panicuason, P13-M; and the construction of various infrastructure projects of which the budget amounting to around P700-M was obtained thru the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

(Jason Neola, CEPPIO)

Pilgrim City to mark 35th Feast of Black Nazarene

CEPPIO Naga — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 02:06:05 +0000

A harmonious collaboration between the Archdiocese of Caceres, the Holy Cross Parish in Barangay Tabuco, and the Hijos de Nazareno Bicol Unit Association, alongside the Samahan Para Birhen ng Kapayapaan at Mabuting Paglalakbay, is underway to mark the 35th year of the feast day of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2024.

The preparations commenced on December 31, 2023, when the revered image of the Black Nazarene was transported from Barangay Palsong in Bula town (Camarines Sur) to the Holy Cross Parish.

Here, a solemn series of religious rites, including the Holy Rosary, Novena to the Black Nazarene, and the singing of perdon, unfolded at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. This culminated in a 5:30 PM Holy Mass, a ritual set to extend until January 8, 2024.

From the first day of the Novenario Masses on December 31 to the ninth day on January 8, designated priests will serve as mass presiders, and organizations have been assigned as mass offerors to enrich this sacred observance.

On January 6, 2024, at 1:30 PM, the Holy Cross Parish will host a special formation for new members of the Hijos de Nazareno.

As the anticipation builds on January 8, a transcendent traslacion procession will commence at 6:30 PM, featuring replicas of the Black Nazarene owned by devoted parishioners and devotees, in various sizes, parading from the parish to the Plaza Quezon.

The feast day on January 9, 2024, will be marked by a series of six fiesta masses at 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM. At 5 PM, a grand pontifical concelebrated mass, led by Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, will grace the Plaza Quezon. A solemn penitential procession will unfold after this at 5 PM.

Culminating the day’s spiritual odyssey, the final mass, beginning at 8 PM, will resonate at the Holy Cross Parish. This concluding celebration will witness the procession of the Black Nazarene image.

(Jason Neola, CEPPIO)

Naga garners Child-Friendly Local Governance Seal for ‘22

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:57 +0000

IN a remarkable achievement, the City Government of Naga has once again been honored with the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance. The recognition, bestowed for its exemplary practices documented during the 2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit, was officially announced on November 14, 2023.

Mayor Nelson Legacion, during his State of the Children Report on November 18, expressed pride in maintaining an unbroken record of six consecutive years, starting in 2016, as a Child-Friendly City. Mayor Legacion credited the city’s commitment, stating, “This only shows that in Naga, it is the children who are indeed special.”

Naga’s dedication to child welfare has not only resonated within the Philippines but has also garnered international acclaim. City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro, representing Naga at the Child-Friendly Cities Forum in March 2023, shared the city’s best practices with delegates from various countries.

Mayor Legacion attributed the latest accolade to the collective efforts of the Naga City Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children and the Children’s Affairs Office. He acknowledged the crucial support from the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and the Barangay Children’s Organization and its federation across the city’s 27 barangays.

Right to Development

The city’s commitment to education is evident in the establishment of five new schools, including an elementary school in Sitio Yabu and secondary schools in San Isidro, Balatas, Sta. Cruz, and Mabolo, currently serving 1,500 students.

Initiatives like the Bike to School program and the Quality Universal Education Empowerment in Naga (QUEEN) program, providing financial and rice subsidies to families, have positively impacted education. Cash incentives, based on Ordinance No. 2020-136, were granted to 340 children of solo parents for outstanding academic performance.

Under the Early Childhood Care and Development Division, 71 Educare Centers enroll 3,493 preschoolers, ensuring quality early education services.

The reopening of the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum in March and an educational tour in August showcased the city’s commitment to scientific knowledge and cultural awareness.

The upcoming People’s Park and Recreation Center in Barangay Mabolo, part of the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan, aims to enhance child development through playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Right to Survival

The Naga City General Hospital, set to be formally turned over on December 12, 2023, will improve maternal and child care, pediatric services, and nutrition.

Free cardiovascular surgical missions and successful immunization efforts have contributed to reducing child mortality and promoting overall health.

Right to Protection

The forthcoming Center for Safety and Resiliency, housing the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, is poised to enhance emergency response capabilities, ensuring the safety of children.

The Children’s Training on Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness, along with assistance to Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR), highlights the city’s commitment to protection.

Right to Participate

Naga City champions participative governance for children, giving them a voice in policymaking through the Barangay Children Organization. Child representatives actively contribute to policies, programs, and activities that safeguard their welfare.

Throughout the year, the city organized diverse events, including the Children’s Festival, Safer Internet Day, Oral Health Congress, Girl-Child Week, puppetry-making, theatre workshops, and the National Children’s Month celebrations.

Naga City’s unwavering dedication to child-friendly governance stands as a beacon, setting an exemplary standard for communities both within and beyond borders.

(Jason Neola, CEPPIO.)

Naga Linaw – Naga River Clean Up Drive

Web Master — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Naga: Most Competitive Component City for ‘23

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:40 +0000

NAGA City has once again clinched the coveted title of “Overall Most Competitive Component City” for the third consecutive year from 2021 to 2023. The city’s exceptional performance was recognized at the Philippine Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Congress held on September 28, 2023.

Under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Nelson Legacion and Vice Mayor Cecilia de Asis, Naga City stood out as a beacon of competitiveness. The prestigious award was presented to Naga City by the National Competitiveness Council and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Naga’s 2023 triumph was highlighted by its consistent excellence in key categories. The city retained its first-place ranking in the fields of Innovation and Infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to progressive development.

In the Resiliency category, Naga City secured the second-place position, building upon its achievements from the previous year. Moreover, in the Economic Dynamism category, the city ascended to the fourth place, demonstrating remarkable growth compared to its sixth-place position in 2022. Notably, in Government Efficiency, Naga City surged from 14th place in 2022 to a commendable fifth place in 2023.

Mayor Nelson Legacion, in a spirited address, emphasized the city government’s unwavering dedication to providing Nagueños with top-notch public services. He declared, “This achievement significantly demonstrates how serious the city government is in its effort to provide the Nagueños with quality public service. It is also proof that the citizens of Naga are in the hands of public servants that nurture, empower, and promote good governance so that they can achieve a bright future.”

Mayor Legacion attributed these remarkable accomplishments to the dedicated efforts of city officials, diligent co-workers in the city government, and the invaluable support from various development allies in both the public and private sectors.

The city’s consistent recognition as the Overall Most Competitive Component City serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to progress, innovation, and efficient governance. It stands as a shining example for cities across the Philippines and underscores the remarkable potential of collaborative leadership and public-private partnerships in driving success and prosperity.

The prestigious accolade, bestowed by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), underscores the city’s remarkable commitment to fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and sustainable development. With its impressive track record, it has established itself as a shining example of what can be achieved through effective governance and community collaboration.

Mayor Nelson Legacion, who received the award on behalf of Naga City, expressed his gratitude and pride in the city’s continuous achievements. He said that “this recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our public servants, dedicated citizens, and the unwavering spirit of our community. We will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects, making it an even more vibrant and competitive place to live and do business.”

The NCC’s annual competitiveness rankings assess various factors, including economic dynamism, innovation, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency. Naga City’s consistent ranking at the top signifies its robust economic climate, efficient government services, and investments in infrastructure and sustainability.

Naga City’s success serves as an inspiration for other LGUs across the country, demonstrating that with strong leadership, citizen engagement, and a clear vision for progress, any community can achieve remarkable results.

As Naga City continues to build upon its legacy of competitiveness, it reaffirms its commitment to driving economic growth, improving the quality of life for its residents, and serving as a model for cities nationwide.

(Jason Neola, CEPPIO.)

Naga City Industrial Park: Spurring Export Manufacturing and Economic Growth

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 03:30:18 +0000

IN a significant milestone for Naga City and the Bicol Region, the Naga City Industrial Park (NCIP) has been declared a Special Economic Zone, marking a new era of industrial development in the area. This ecozone, managed by Enjoy Realty and Development Corp. (ERDC), promises to bring economic prosperity and employment opportunities while bolstering the country’s export manufacturing sector.

What is the Naga City Industrial Park?

The Naga City Industrial Park is a registered Special Economic Zone with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). It primarily caters to light manufacturing industries focused on high-value engineering products destined for export. Often referred to as Export Processing Zone (EPZ), NCIP is the first of its kind in Naga and the Bicol Region.

The Benefits of an Industrial Ecozone

Industrial ecozones like NCIP have proven instrumental in driving investments in export manufacturing, spurring economic growth across regions. Export manufacturers are attracted to ecozones due to a range of incentives, including tax and duty-free importation, exemption from national and local taxes, and even the possibility of permanent resident status for foreign investors.

Location and Size

Situated along Nursery Road in Barangay Carolina, NCIP covers more than 25 hectares of land, with room for future expansion. This size aligns with PEZA’s minimum land area requirements for industrial ecozones.

Features and Facilities

NCIP boasts industrial lots for sale or lease, a commercial strip for up to sixteen establishments, a public transport terminal, cargo terminal, power sub-station, water treatment facility, and a gasoline station. These amenities create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The establishment of NCIP is expected to result in a significant economic boost for Naga City and the Bicol region. Investment from manufacturing firms is predicted to be in the billions of pesos, generating thousands of direct manufacturing jobs. Fuji Industries Naga Corp., the first ecozone locator, alone anticipates employing 1,500 people at full operation. Extrapolating from this figure, NCIP could potentially create up to 12,000 direct jobs for the region. Additionally, the ecozone will stimulate the growth of support industries, further increasing employment opportunities.

The Genesis of NCIP

The journey towards establishing NCIP began in 2015 when the Naga City Investment Board (NCIB) successfully persuaded Fuji Industries Corp. to expand its operations in the city. This led to the signing of a Tripartite Agreement in 2016 involving Fuji Industries, ERDC (the developer), and the City Government. The application for NCIP to be recognized as an ecozone was submitted to PEZA in the third quarter of 2017.

Presidential Proclamation: A Milestone

The culmination of these efforts came on July 25, 2023, when H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Presidential Proclamation 299, officially designating NCIP as a Special Economic Zone. A PEZA Certificate of Registration followed shortly after. This process involved multiple reviews, endorsements, and transmittals through various government offices.

Not the Only Ecozone in Town

While NCIP holds a unique position as the only industrial and manufacturing ecozone in Naga City, there are other types of ecozones in the area, such as agro-industrial, tourism, medical tourism, and IT parks/centers. The presence of these zones diversifies Naga City’s economic landscape and promotes further development.

The Naga City Industrial Park represents a promising chapter in the city’s economic growth, attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering regional development. As it continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to become a vital hub for export manufacturing in the Philippines.

Jason Neola, CEPPIO.

UNC preparado na para sa 2nd day kan Bar exams sa aga

CEPPIO Naga — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:29:59 +0000

LIWAT na mapasiring sa University of Nueva Caceres sa aga, aldaw nin Miyerkules, Setyembre 20, an labi sa 500 na mga Bar examinees para sa ikaduwang aldaw na Bar examinations.

An aktibidad pinunan kan Setyembre 17 sa nasambit na unibersidad na kun saen pigtawan nin bwelo an pagdagsa kan mga makoa kan exams gikan pa sa manlaenlaen na banwaan asin probinsya kan Bikol.

Sinabi ni Renne Gumba, bilang namomoon sa pagtao nin external support sa aktibidad asin pagsyerto kan seguridad kan mga bisita, na mantenido ninda an pagpapaotob nin mga lakdang tanganing mapangatamanan an kaligtasan kan mga future barristers asin katoninongan sa piggibo kan 2023 Bar Exams.
Ipinahayag kan security group kan unibersidad na andam na sindang magbukas sa agang amay poon alas 4:00 nin mag aagahon para akomodaron an mga Bar examinees asin Bar examiners.

Segun ki Gumba mas dakula an numero kan mga Bar Examinees ngonian kaysa sa duwang nakaaging Bar exams. Nagtao nin asigurasyon an opisyal na padagos na maoperar an Joint Operations Center (JOC) sagkod na dae pa tapos an Bar examinations.

Pigpasalamatan man kaini an medical teams kan LGU Naga, an traffic management kan Public Safety Office, asin Naga City Police Office siring man security and peace and order task group Joint Operation Center.

An Bar exams nakatalaan na matapos sa Domingo, Setyembre 24, 2023.

Jason Neola, CEPPIO

Peñafrancia Festival 2023 Executive Order signed today

CEPPIO Naga — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:30:17 +0000

Mayor Nelson Legacion signed Executive Order No. 2023-025 today on June 14, 2023. The Executive Order wills the creation of committees, service groups, and the appointment of dedicated chairpersons and heads for the successful implementation of the Peñafrancia Festival as part of Naga City’s heritage and culture.

Two groups are created under this executive order: the Event Committees and the Support Services.

The Event Committees are responsible for organizing events, developing budget, coordination, and overseeing. They are composed of committees assigned to every secular event including their respective chairpersons such as:

Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola
Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee headed – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC 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 Buenafe
Tagboan Arts Festival – CEPPIO Department Head Allen Reondanga

Tagboan Arts Festival is the latest addition to the lineup of secular events this Peñafrancia Festival dedicated to the celebration of arts.

The Festival Support Services are tasked with providing services before, during, and after the festival and are headed by City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro such as:

Physical Arrangement and Festival Structures Services
• General Services Department
• City Engineer’s Office
• Building Maintenance Office
• City Parks and Recreation Facilities Management Office
Sponsorship, Public Information, Scheduling, Marketing, and Promotions Services
• City Events Protocol and Public Information Office
Trade Events and Vending Services
• Market Enterprise and Promotions Office
• City Treasurer’s Office
• Metro PESO
Peace and Order Services
• Public Safety Office
• Naga City Police Office
• City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
Health and Emergency Services
• City Health Office
• City Health Office II
• Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary
Cleanliness and Solid Waste Management
• Solid Waste Management Office
• City Environment and Natural Resources Office

The Peñafrancia Festival is the biggest Marian festival in Asia and has been practiced in Naga City for more than 300 years. This has led to the city being named the Pilgrimage Capital of the Bicol Region in Proclamation No. 33, series of 2010.

(Alexa Cariño, CEPPIO)

Gov’t needs P10-B for Naga Airport’s reorientation project

CEPPIO Naga — Sat, 06 May 2023 11:18:21 +0000

AFTER more than a decade of waiting and two presidents later, the Naga Airport’s reorientation project is seen to finally push through as the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) again restarted discussion on the facility’s long-approved expansion and runway reorientation.

The project, which is designed to improve air safety, navigation issues, and passenger capacity, has been in the thick of discussions among the members of the Regional Development Council especially during the time the body conducted its first quarterly meeting this year.

The current runway is too short to accommodate larger jet airliners and cannot be extended because of two deep ravines on both its ends. Airlines therefore have to resort to smaller turboprop aircraft which can fit no more than 80 passengers. Fewer passengers mean more expensive airfare overall.

To address this, the proposed project calls for the construction of a new, longer runway with a different orientation. Aside from the runway, there will also be a new passenger terminal and larger apron that can accommodate multiple jet aircraft at any given time. The new airport will also be night-rated, allowing for more flights in the evening.

BIA’s cheaper flights

Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion said that once the project is completed, passengers from Naga, which are generally composed of businessmen and professionals, will be spared from spending more time going to the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay if only to avail of cheaper flights and lower risk of cancellations and delays.

Legacion was among those individuals who personally requested the NEDA to take up the matter concerning the facility’s planned reorientation project.

The reorientation project is also expected to help sustain the strong resurgence of tourism in Naga and Camarines Sur after the pandemic.

It was learned from the presentation conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOTr) during the RDC meeting that as early as the time of former president Benigno Aquino Jr. the redevelopment project received an approved initial allocation of P1-B. The project’s total cost then was estimated to be P3.5 billion.

Legacion at NEDA sessions

The P1-B initial funding is currently in the safekeeping of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the owner and operator of the Naga Airport, readily available anytime once the reorientation project has been decided to be pursued.

Based on the latest estimates, however, the project is now expected to cost more than P10 billion due to inflation and the sharp increase in construction materials and labor over the past 10 years.

The city mayor, who has been attending the RDC meeting in recent times, said that he was assured by NEDA Regional Director Luis Banua that he will be invited to attend the NEDA’s project facilitation sessions or the RDC’s regular meetings every time that there will be a deliberation on Naga Airport’s reorientation project.

Legacion wishes to offer guidance on the discussion especially when it comes to land acquisition which he observed could be a long process if not carefully attended to.

The DOTr report bared that the government has to acquire around 130 hectares of land for the project. But the Office of the Solicitor General, as of late, has only 5 expropriation cases filed and the total expanse of land to acquire is owned by around 60 landowners.

(Jason B. Neola, CEPPIO)