diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/ci.yml b/.gitea/workflows/ci.yml
index a8935fa..c85bc5f 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -17,6 +17,12 @@
 # Both jobs cache pnpm store + go modules. Coverage uploaded as artifacts.
 # The M2 acceptance gate (spec §6) requires both jobs GREEN.
 
+# NOTE (2026-10-26, coreci-chat-po): this file is the trigger source. Gitea
+# registers workflow triggers only on a default-branch push that touches THIS
+# file (sre readback c12346, "F-1"); a push that touches other paths leaves
+# the pipeline unfired (coreci-chat#1, M3 kickoff gate). Keep this file in the
+# diff of the next push to main until the first green run lands.
+#
 name: ci
 
 on: