August 9, 2023 marked the conclusion of the partnership between the City of Naga, Cebu and the University of the Philippines (UP) NOAH Center when hard copies of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Comprehensive Development Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Local Development Investment Program, Sectoral Studies, Ecological Profile, Local Climate Change Action Plan, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan, and Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) were delivered to the City Hall. These development plans were a result of the city’s resolve to take a more proactive approach after the Naga, Cebu landslide on September 20, 2018.
After the Naga, Cebu landslide affected 80.12 hectares of land and 1,940 families in the area, the city local government unit deemed it necessary to take steps towards avoiding unexpected events of this magnitude. The city partnered with UP, through the UP NOAH Center, to formulate local development plans that take into major consideration the results of the CDRA and the climate adjusted probabilistic maps specifically generated for the planning area. The idea was to direct the future development of Naga while taking efforts to adapt to and mitigate hazards that may occur within the city in the future.
In the course of formulating their development plans, Naga adopted a vision statement that encapsulates development without compromising the integrity of their environment and its people:
“A city of energy in the region, cradled in a clean, peaceful, and balanced environment, propelled by a progressive economy and wholesome people, supported by sustainable infrastructure, steered by dynamic local leadership and proactive people participation”
Guided by this, The City of Naga, Cebu is set to achieve its future goals and collective aspirations.