President Marcos has expressed full support for Naga City's Sidewalk and Active Transport Project, describing it as an initiative that could improve the safety and convenience of pedestrians and commuters while serving as a model for other urban areas across the country.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President gave a positive response after he was apprised of the project.

"We'll give all-out support to this," Marcos reportedly said after reviewing the proposed Naga City Sidewalk and Active Transport Project during a presentation by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.

According to Castro, the project seeks to transform the busy M.T. Villanueva Avenue—considered one of Naga City's major chokepoints—into a safer and more people-friendly corridor by prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters.

The active transport project forms part of efforts by the Naga City government and the DPWH to promote safer, more accessible streets for pedestrians and cyclists while advancing people-centered urban mobility that officials hope can be replicated in other cities nationwide.

Dizon said President Marcos immediately expressed support for the initiative, which could become a pioneering project that may later be replicated in other urban areas throughout the country.

"Noong pinakita ko kay PBBM po yung plano niyo, tuwang-tuwa siya, eh (When I showed your plan to President Marcos, he was very pleased),” Dizon told Robredo.

“Full support yung national government doon sa vision ni Mayor Leni for Naga City. Very excited kami (The national government is giving full support to Mayor Leni's vision for Naga City. We're very excited),” he added.

The Public Works chief also said road upgrading works along the corridor will begin this month.

Once completed, the project will feature wider and obstruction-free sidewalks, protected bicycle lanes, solar-powered streetlights, tactile pavements, accessible curb ramps for persons with disabilities, and expanded tree cover to encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Dizon said construction is expected to progress quickly.

"Towards the end of this year, magkakatoo na 'yan, hindi na lang picture 'yan (Towards the end of this year, that will become a reality—it will no longer just be a picture)," he said.

Robredo, for her part, expressed hope that the initiative would demonstrate the benefits of active mobility not only in Naga City but also elsewhere in the country.

"Sana maging proof of concept din siya for the rest of the major thoroughfares in Naga, and, hopefully, the entire country (I hope it will also become a proof of concept for the rest of the major thoroughfares in Naga and, hopefully, for the entire country)," she said.

Marcos and Robredo were political rivals in the 2016 and 2022 national elections. Marcos lost to Robredo in the vice presidential race in 2016 before defeating her by a landslide in the 2022 presidential election.

The two have since shown signs of cooperation on local development initiatives.

Early this year, President Marcos visited Naga City to inspect local flood mitigation projects. Both leaders downplayed any political significance to the visit, with Marcos joking that the "most political thing" he did was wear pink socks.

Following the Naga visit, the two met again at Malacañang for the launch of the "Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang" local government support program.

Both Marcos and Robredo dismissed speculation that their meetings were the start of an electoral alliance for the 2028 elections, since it took place days after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her intention to run for president in the next national polls.

Marcos and Robredo have emphasized that their discussions focused strictly on governance and public service.