Naga expands housing, anti-drug, and governance programs

THE City Government of Naga continues to expand its development initiatives through major investments in public safety, housing, employee development, and urban governance under the administration of Mayor Leni Robredo.

The Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) recently donated P5 million to the city government for the construction of a community drug rehabilitation facility and youth hub. DDB Undersecretary Earl Saavedra said the project will strengthen Naga’s programs aimed at maintaining a safe and drug-free community.

Saavedra cited the city as one of the local government units actively campaigning against illegal drugs while also implementing rehabilitation and recovery programs for drug dependents. He emphasized that collaborative efforts among local governments, communities, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary remain vital in addressing illegal drugs nationwide.

The initiative supports Visions No. 3 and 4 of Mayor Robredo’s “2028 Finish Lines” agenda, which focus on creating a walkable, orderly, and secure city while promoting healthy and educated Nagueños.

Meanwhile, Robredo is set to visit the main office of the Commission on Elections next week to meet with Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia regarding the proposed plebiscite for Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC).

City officials earlier proposed holding the plebiscite simultaneously with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on November 2, 2026. The plebiscite is needed to ratify the proclamation signed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 27, 2026 declaring Naga as the country’s 34th Highly Urbanized City.

In line with efforts to improve governance, the city government also conducted its first-ever onboarding program for newly hired employees. The initiative aims to familiarize new personnel with city policies, employee benefits, workplace expectations, and public service standards to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

The onboarding initiative supports Robredo’s Vision 8 agenda of building “an efficient, agile, and citizen-focused local government.”

Naga City is likewise advancing its housing initiatives through nearly P700 million worth of projects under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Plus Program and the Community Mortgage Program (CMP).

Among the major projects is a P480-million flood-resilient rental housing development in Barangay Lerma, alongside financial assistance programs for urban poor communities. Robredo said the projects seek to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable housing while allowing residents to remain close to their livelihoods and communities.

Two homeowners associations — the Sabang Puro Urban Kabisig Homeowners Association, Inc. and the Mabolo Homes Subdivision Homeowners Association, Inc. — also successfully entered the national government’s Community Mortgage Program, securing long-term housing opportunities for their members.

Additionally, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) turned over 300 modular shelter units in Barangay Pacol under the expanded 4PH Program. The shelters are intended to provide temporary and transitional housing for families affected by relocation, disasters, fires, and clearing operations.

Robredo expressed gratitude to the national government for the Bayanihan Village project, noting its importance in giving displaced families safe temporary homes while awaiting permanent housing. The project also includes plans for livelihood training, a clinic, playground, and other community development facilities.