Naga chosen for model city award

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- This multi-awarded city has added another feather on its cap after it was only recently selected as one of the Top Philippine Model Cities. The selection was made by The Manila Times’ “Philippine Model Cities,” a forum-cum-awards event for the most livable urban centers across the Philippines. Out of the 33 select cities, the jurors have drawn out a shortlist of 15, which includes Naga City that would then vie for the 10 top spots, namely, the champion, two runners-up and multiple other awards per category. Awarding rites will be held at New World Manila Bay Hotel on May 11, 2017, Thursday next week, where experts on sustainable development and other famous personalities will address and recognize the chosen cities as the Philippines’ most livable urban centers. As an awardee, a 2-3 minutes Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) on Naga City will be played during the event. With the theme “Beyond the Most Livable Urban Centers,” a special report will be published after the event. The Manila Times has been the Philippines’ oldest English newspaper and one of the most respected news organizations in the country today. The Award Categories include Peace and Security (crime rate), Rest and Recreation (facilities for foreign retirees and tourist destinations), Research and Development (tertiary schools in math, science, and technology), Health and Education (public scholarships and city-funded schools), Clean and Green (reforestation projects and public spaces, such as parks, and sports facilities), Road and Home (public infrastructure and housing projects), Livelihood and Employment (cooperatives, women empowerment, and job fairs), Youth and Elders (youth development and programs for senior citizens), Tax and Services (improved tax collection and public services), and Emergency/Disaster Preparedness (improved emergency response and rescue). Various awards have already been conferred on Naga City since the time of then Mayor Jesse Robredo whose legacy has been continued and further bolstered by Mayor John Bongat under whose term Naga was chosen, among others, as the country’s Most Competitive Component City for two consecutive years.