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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Robredo graces groundbreaking for Naga River revitalization project

BY: ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

NAGA CITY, March 11 (PIA)--- “A dream slowly unfolding” – described Rep. Leni G. Robredo of Camarines Sur 3rd congressional distict of the panoramic Naga River as she graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project pursued under the auspices of her congressional office.

Robredo recalled how the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo dreamt of transforming the Naga River into a beautiful place where families will converge after witnessing families having their picnic at the memorial garden in Harvard, just in front of their rented apartment where the late secretary took his Masters of Public Administration there in 1999.

“The apartment where Jesse rented when he was in Harvard was located at the river bank.  Remained etched in his memory were that family moments in the memorial garden just across our apartment. So, the moment we returned in Naga, he had already initial plans of developing the Naga River. Unfortunately, he was in the opposition side then, budget was scarce and the city government cannot shoulder the expenses for his rehab plans,” Robredo lamented.

When Mayor John G. Bongat took the reign as Naga City’s chief executive, he started getting funds for the rehabilitation of the Naga River.  All these efforts paid off with the city now pursuing the Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project (INRRP).

The said project was launched in 2010 anchored on the six pillars of development as part of Bongat’s governance:  promotion of heritage preservation, eco-tourism, environmental and sanitation initiatives, disaster resilience, business and the introduction of river transport.
 
Held over the weekend, the Naga River Day showcased a number of significant activities witnessed by the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Bongat and graced by various priests headed by Archbishop Rolando Octavus Tria Tirona, OCD,DD.

One of the highlights of the day’s activity was the blessing and ribbon-cutting of the wharf located at the Naga City People’s Mall. The partakers also witnessed the unveiling of the Danlugan Pillars, blessing of the image of Our Lady of Penafrancia and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Calle del Rio at Danlugan ni Ina, Barangay Dinaga this city.

The occasion also signaled the formal opening of the Night market which also seeks to promote local commerce in the city and assist small and medium entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.

Archbishop Tirona also underscored the importance of Naga River to the rich religious heritage of the Bicolano, particularly referring to the Marian devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia.

“ We all know that the Naga River plays a very important role in our devotion to Inang Penafrancia. Fluvial procession is being held here. Naga River will always be a part of Naga’s rich culture and history,” Tirona added. (MAL/SM-PIA5/CamSur)


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