Naga prepares for Holy Week, summer safety, and anti-drug initiatives

By Jason B. Neola

THE city government of Naga, through its Public Safety Office, is making thorough preparations for the observance of Holy Week from April 13 to 19, 2025, and other related summer vacation activities.

Leading these efforts is the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with security, medical, and traffic management personnel, as well as representatives from other related agencies. These offices will implement policies and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors throughout the season.

During an initial meeting, discussions centered on the deployment of personnel not only in urban areas but also in rural and upland barangays, particularly in resorts and waterfalls, which are expected to attract large numbers of visitors.

Public Safety Office Executive Director Renne Gumba assured that constant monitoring will be undertaken with personnel from the Naga City Police Office, barangay tanods (village watchmen), medical teams, and other responders stationed in these locations to address any untoward incidents.

The city’s Peace and Order Council has also convened to discuss strategies for maintaining the city’s security during the summer months. This meeting also provided an opportunity to plan deployment approaches in relation to the upcoming May 12, 2025, elections, with the Naga City Police Office taking the lead in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Strengthening Anti-Illegal Drug Efforts

As part of the city’s ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign, Gumba highlighted the continuous efforts of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) in addressing drug-related issues. Their work ranges from law enforcement to advocacy initiatives aimed at curbing the drug problem.

Recently, members of Barkadahan Kontra Droga (Friends Against Drugs), a city-wide youth federation against illegal drugs, gathered to discuss new strategies to sustain their advocacy. Additionally, the city’s anti-drug task force, which includes personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the NCPO Mobile Force Company, continues to fulfill its mandate in combatting illegal drugs.

Gumba urged the public to report any known drug pushers, providing relevant details such as names and addresses. However, he emphasized that all reports will undergo proper legal procedures, including verification, background investigation, and case buildup, before any action is taken.

Enhancing Emergency, Communication Services

On April 5, 2025, personnel from the Naga City Central Communication Center and the Naga City Emergency Operations Center will take a licensure examination for radio operators, administered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Gumba stated that this initiative will ensure that all radio operators acquire the necessary licenses and enhance their skills in radio transceiver operations.

“This is part of leveling up the services we provide to the city. Hopefully, all of our examinees will pass the licensure examination,” Gumba said.

Additionally, personnel from the Naga City Emergency Operations Center who underwent training organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region are now officially part of the OCD training group. Some of them have already participated in conducting training sessions for other batches.

Gumba emphasized that these initiatives aim to strengthen the city’s disaster and emergency response capabilities. “We are not just providing public service, but we are also seriously considering the lessons we learned from severe tropical storm Kristine,” he said. “Our goal is to continuously improve all our disaster and emergency-related services.”

With these comprehensive plans and ongoing efforts, the city government remains committed to ensuring a safe and orderly summer season for both residents and visitors.

THE Malabsay Falls located within Mt. Isarog Natural Park in Naga City is a popular destination for those looking to beat the summer heat. The 40-foot waterfall cascades into a clear natural pool, offering visitors a refreshing retreat amidst lush greenery. Accessible via a short trek through scenic trails, Malabsay Falls provides an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO