01/07/2025
Leni Robredo takes oath as Naga’s first female mayor, unveils agenda for inclusive, sustainable city
By: Jason Neola
NAGA CITY --- Mayor Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo assumed office today, June 30, 2025, with a bold and comprehensive development agenda centered on inclusive growth, environmental resilience, and citizen-centered governance.
In her inaugural address, Mayor Robredo unveiled a city roadmap built on eight priority goals—or “2028 Finish Lines”—that aim to raise the quality of life of every Nagueño, strengthen the city’s reputation for good governance, and make Naga a happier, more livable, and forward-looking city.
Among the major thrusts of her administration are the creation of an inclusive local economy, stronger environmental stewardship, walkable, orderly, and secure neighborhoods efficient social protection systems, preservation of cultural identity, and the institutionalization of open and digital governance.
“These Finish Lines are more than just aspirations,” she said. “They form the path to a future where every Nagueño can reach their dreams—and be proud of their contribution to our city’s course,” she stressed.
2028 Finish Lines:
1. Inclusive and thriving economy – Support to urban poor and farming communities, promotion of priority industries, skills development for the local workforce, and streamlined business processes to attract investors.
2. Cleaner, greener, and climate-resilient city – Strengthen solid waste management, flood preparedness, and develop more open green spaces integrated into daily community life.
3. Walkable, safe, and organized neighborhoods – Improve transport systems, promote responsible pet ownership, and enhance mechanisms for peace and order.
4. Healthy and educated Nagueños with decent homes by 2028 -. Data-driven social protection systems: Improve healthcare and education indicators, address housing needs, and ensure effective delivery of welfare and disaster-response services.
5. Cultural preservation and creative growth – Uphold Naga’s history, language, and heritage while building a supportive environment for creatives and local artists. 6. Open, digital, and participatory governance – Widen citizen engagement through accessible technology and transparent systems.
6. An open, digital and participatory Naga by 2028 – Enhance people-centered governance by making modern technology accessible to all Nagueños.
7. Naga as center of good governance development and innovation –Make Naga once more a center of good governance, development, and innovation by enhancing and sustaining the system that the city pioneered and is known for nationwide.
8. Efficient, agile, and citizen-focused city government – Align city hall operations with community goals through a united and performance-driven workforce. Robredo emphasized that the roadmap was developed during the transition period, with inputs from sectoral stakeholders.
“More than reclaiming our identity as a model for good governance, we are building a future that is inclusive, livable, and sustainable. A Naga City where no one is left behind, and every citizen is a collaborator in development,” she said.
A HISTORIC RETURN
While her message was largely forward-looking, Mayor Robredo opened her speech with a deeply personal reflection, recalling the moment her husband, the late Jesse, took his oath as city mayor on February 2, 1988, in the same place where she stood—then just a modest gazebo, now the Naga City People’s Hall.
“I was 23 years old, a new mother to my eldest daughter Aika, and just beginning to chase my own dreams,” she said. “But I knew I was already part of something greater—Jesse’s vision of a better Naga.”
She credited her husband’s legacy with laying the groundwork for the city’s growth and recognition as a bastion of good governance. “His dream sparked Naga’s progress. But more importantly, Naga’s success was built on the collective trust, effort, and sacrifice of its people.”
Robredo emphasized that her administration will uphold the Naga brand of trustworthy governance—one that invites citizen participation and believes in shared leadership. “The story of Naga is not just about one leader. It’s about a city that has always worked together—leaders and people alike,” she said.
“In my own journey, the detours and unexpected challenges brought me here. Each time I was called to serve, I tried to live by the values of a true Nagueño: to inspire hope, invite others to act, and lead with honesty and integrity,” she said.
While admitting she never expected she would run for mayor, the city mayor said she did so “to ensure that the sacrifices made for good governance are protected, sustained, and taken to the next level.”
Concluding her address, Mayor Robredo assured her constituents of her unwavering commitment to public service. “Rest assured, this mandate you have given me will not go to naught. Together, we will build a Naga that is not only admired across the nation—but truly loved by its own people.”
“With purpose and unity, we declare the kind of city we are determined to build together—anchored on the promise made many years ago by Jesse: to make Naga a happy place for every Nagueño.”
