NAGA CITY, Bicol — President Bongbong Marcos personally inspected the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum on Saturday, February 21, 2026, alongside Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). During the visit, the administration announced the allocation of ₱500 million for the retrofitting and modernization of the facility.

The funding aims to strengthen the coliseum’s structure, making it more resilient against earthquakes and other natural disasters. Beyond serving as a venue for sports events and large gatherings, the upgraded facility is intended to function as an evacuation and disaster response hub during typhoons and flooding — a crucial need in a country frequently battered by extreme weather.

Officials emphasized that the project will enhance both safety and functionality, ensuring that the coliseum can accommodate communities during emergencies while continuing to host civic and cultural events. Infrastructure modernization, particularly in disaster-prone areas, is often framed as an investment in long-term public protection rather than short-term development.

However, the visit itself carries political weight. The collaboration between President Marcos Jr. and Mayor Robredo — whose late husband the coliseum is named after — sends a symbolic message of cooperation across political lines. While many view this as a positive sign of unity, others may question whether high-profile infrastructure announcements are purely about public service or also about optics.

The allocation undeniably promises stronger facilities and improved disaster preparedness for Naga City. Yet it also invites broader reflection on national priorities, infrastructure planning, and the balance between symbolism and substance in public spending. So the question stands: Is this ₱500 million allocation simply infrastructure investment — or does it also signal a strategic political gesture wrapped in public service? (Larawan mula sa: Bongbong Marcos / Facebook)