Assistant Minority Leader Gabriel Bordado Files Landmark Bill to Create the Metropolitan Naga Development Authority
Assistant Minority Leader and Camarines Sur Representative Gabriel Bordado filed Thursday a bill establishing Metropolitan Naga Development Authority (MNDA).
The move is seen as a significant step towards fostering sustainable development and addressing regional disparities with the introduction of the “Metropolitan Naga Development Authority Act.” This proposed legislation aims to establish the MNDA and define its powers, functions, and funding mechanisms.
The MNDA Act, which was originally filed by former Rep. James Jacob, seeks to create an agency that will be responsible for promoting the balanced growth and progress of the region while safeguarding the interests and welfare of its constituents.
“The passage of the MNDA Act will be a momentous stride towards a brighter and more inclusive future for the constituents of Naga City and the surrounding municipalities. By institutionalizing this development authority, we aim to bring about positive change and ensure sustainable progress that benefits all,” Bordado said in a statement.
The bill’s primary focus is on the city of Naga and several municipalities in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Masbate.
The areas falling under the jurisdiction of the MNDA include the city of Naga and the municipalities of Bombon, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, San Fernando, and Siruma in the province of Camarines Sur, and San Pascual in the province of Masbate.
The proposed powers and functions of the MNDA cover a wide range of vital areas, including but not limited to:
• Economic development and planning to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity.
• Infrastructure and transportation to enhance connectivity and accessibility.
• Environmental protection and conservation to preserve ecological balance.
• Health and sanitation, urban/rural protection, and pollution control to safeguard public health and the environment.
• Public safety and disaster preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities.
• Provision of other essential services deemed necessary and proper to promote the welfare of the constituents, as determined in consultation with the Metro Naga population.
The city of Naga experienced remarkable economic development in the 1990s, transforming into a bustling center of commerce and industry. However, this prosperity led to a widening gap between Naga City and its neighboring municipalities in terms of income, service quality, and resource distribution.
Recognizing the need for a systematic and equitable solution, then-Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo and the mayors of the nearby municipalities came together to establish the Metro Naga Development Council through Executive Order no. 102 on June 18, 1993.
The Metro Naga Development Council, a partnership of local government units collaborating with the national government, aimed to formulate and implement projects for the long-term development of the surrounding municipalities and Naga City.
While it has been effective in delivering certain basic services, challenges unique to each LGU and the region persisted, hindering the full realization of the vision for a prosperous Metropolitan Naga.
In response to these challenges, Bordado’s bill seeks to elevate and reinforce the Metro Naga Development Council by creating the MNDA. This new authority will work towards finding solutions to long-standing issues in the region, fostering more effective and equitable economic development within Metropolitan Naga without undermining local autonomy.
