PHILIPPINES: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Naga City on February 21 to inspect vital infrastructure and turn over P500 million in funding for the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum’s retrofitting. He was accompanied by Mayor Leni Robredo and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon.
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Boosting Disaster Resilience: The P500 Million Fund
Marcos handed over a P500 million check to Naga City, designated for the retrofitting and renovation of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, which suffered damage from recent typhoons and earthquakes.
The renovation project aims to transform the JMR Coliseum into a dual-purpose, world-class facility. Once completed, it will serve not only as a premier venue for major sports competitions and city events but also as a primary evacuation center during times of disaster. Mayor Robredo welcomed the support, emphasizing that the retrofitting is crucial for ensuring the safety of evacuees and strengthening the city’s overall disaster preparedness.
Addressing Perennial Flooding
Marcos also inspected flood prevention efforts at Sagop Creek, a major source of flooding in nearby areas. He reviewed the ongoing dredging operations under “Oplan Kontra Baha,” aimed at improving water flow and reducing flood risks.
Reports presented during the inspection indicated that approximately 2,350 cubic meters of silt and sludge have already been cleared from the city’s creek systems. The national government agencies present committed to fast-tracking further interventions, including continued dredging, drainage improvements, and long-term flood control planning to restore proper water flow.
A United Front for Governance
The visit highlighted effective coordination between the Marcos administration and Naga City’s local government, marking a significant effort to strengthen disaster response and improve public safety through joint initiatives.
City officials expressed optimism that this support from the national government will accelerate Naga’s infrastructure recovery and reinforce its resilience against future natural calamities. The coordination between Malacañang and the LGU signals a positive step towards unified efforts in serving the public interest, regardless of political lines.