(Photo courtesy of EMB Bicol Region)
NAGA CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region V and the Naga City government have formalized a partnership to establish an Environmental Laboratory Testing Center aimed at strengthening water quality monitoring and environmental protection.
DENR-EMB Region V Regional Director Geri-Geronimo Sañez and Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor Robredo signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 21, 2026, during the opening day of the 2026 Environment and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Summit at Uma Hotel-Residences in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
The signing was also attended by Naga City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marvin Sagun and DENR-EMB V Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division Chief Engr. Jose Rey Monreal.
The agreement provides the framework for establishing and operating the Naga City Environmental Laboratory Testing Center, which will support the development of the city’s Water Quality Laboratory.
The planned facility will help strengthen efforts to monitor, protect, rehabilitate, and manage the Naga River and other water bodies within the city’s jurisdiction.
Through the laboratory, local authorities aim to improve water quality assessment and environmental monitoring to help prevent further deterioration of vital water resources.
The initiative also seeks to enhance cooperation between national and local government agencies in addressing water pollution and promoting sustainable environmental management.
The partnership underscores the commitment of DENR-EMB Region V and the Naga City government to safeguarding local waterways and strengthening environmental protection programs for the benefit of surrounding communities.
