Leni pushes tech-driven plans for more livable Naga

Mayor Leni Robredo is fast-tracking digital and technological upgrades in line with her “2028 Finish Lines” agenda that envisions a more livable and secure Naga.

Among the efforts now underway is the completion of the list of technological products and equipment needed to jumpstart the operations of the city’s command center. Once finalized, this list will be sent to various telecommunications and digital service providers for price quotations.

Robredo also wants to resolve long-standing issues in the city’s CCTV operations. She cited reports that several CCTVs have become ineffective due to unreliable and low-cost internet services.

“These inefficiencies affect traffic management and compromise public safety and security,” she said, adding that the city is now considering a dedicated internet connection solely for government use,” she said.

The first to respond to the city’s call for digital partners was Smart Communications Inc., a PLDT subsidiary. The firm presented a menu of affordable digital solutions, with Robredo emphasizing that all needed services and products will undergo public bidding.

During the meeting, the mayor also inquired about PLDT’s AI-powered solutions, like those designed to improve service delivery in health. “There’s a system that can provide real-time health data and offer tele-consult services to the residents in the barangays,” she noted, saying such technology would help bridge gaps in the city’s healthcare system.

Acknowledging Naga’s budget constraints, Robredo expressed interest in entering into partnership arrangements to make these innovations accessible. PLDT referred her to the PLDT-Smart Foundation, which may support such collaborations.

In a welcome development, the telecom giant offered to provide the city’s livestreaming requirements for the upcoming Peñafrancia fiesta free of charge. Robredo said she is also seeking additional sponsorship support to cover festival-related expenses, citing a lack of available funds.

Meanwhile, the mayor showed particular interest in the flood sensor system being offered by PLDT. The system automatically activates water pumps to flush out floodwaters when flooding occurs and simultaneously sends SMS alerts to affected residents.

Other innovations under consideration include “Smart Poles” equipped with emergency push buttons and public address systems, and the “Eye in the Sky” technology which uses smoke detection from elevated areas to help firefighters quickly locate and respond to fires—even before official reports are made.

Robredo has tasked the Smart-PLDT team to provide more detailed specifications for these technologies as she hopes to secure the necessary funding.

“These are not just gadgets,” the mayor said. “They are tools that can help us fulfil our vision of a safer, healthier, and more livable Naga.” Jason B. Neola