Naga to conduct summits on waste, traffic in January 2026

The City Government of Naga is set to conduct summits on solid waste management and traffic in January 2026 as part of its efforts to address pressing urban concerns through inclusive and participatory planning.

Through its Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), the city is pursuing the conduct of a “Basura Summit” that will bring together key sectors and stakeholders to help shape the city’s plan for the full implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The law mandates local government units to adopt sustainable solid waste management practices, including segregation at source, waste reduction, recycling, composting, and proper disposal through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and the use of sanitary landfills.

Mayor Leni Robredo said the participation of all concerned sectors is essential to come up with a proper, thorough, well-organized, and systematic approach to waste collection, management, and disposal in the city, as required by law.

She stressed that LGUs are required not only to enforce waste segregation at source and promote recycling and composting, but also to establish their own MRFs to support effective waste management.

Expected to take part in the Basura Summit are the Punong Barangays and other village officials from Naga City’s 27 barangays, representatives from public and private schools, commercial establishments, hospitals, and other key stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Robredo formally received on Friday, December 26, 2025, one unit of compactor and one unit of wheel loader donated by United Auctioneers Inc. According to SWMO head Engr. Joel Martin, the heavy equipment will play a vital role in strengthening the city’s waste management operations.

In addition to the waste summit, the city is also preparing for a Traffic Summit aimed at addressing traffic concerns through a collaborative and data-driven approach.

Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba said they are now finalizing the schedule of the traffic summit in coordination with Engr. Edmer Flores of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), along with other key sectors and stakeholders.

Robredo said that, similar to the Basura Summit, broad participation from Naga City constituents is crucial, as traffic solutions require public ownership and cooperation.

Earlier, teams of city planners and personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) visited Naga City upon the mayor’s invitation to assist in crafting effective and workable traffic management strategies. Both groups are expected to present their recommendations in the coming weeks. I via Jason Neola