Boosting the BLIST’s potentials

BEHIND THE SCENES
Alfred P. Dizon

BAGUIO CITY -- It may take more time before a comprehensive development plan could be made for the BLIST (Baguio La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, and Tuba) “development cluster” but better late than never.

The recent meeting of local government and line agency officials and planners from the cluster on the matter was a good start to boost socio-economic and tourism potentions of the area. Except for Baguio (which is actually geographically located in Benguet but is an independent local government unit) all BLIST towns are those of the province.

Among matters discussed at the forum were housing, transport, social services, education, tourism, and business environment concerns for BLIST residents.

If plans push through, Baguio shall be a drop-off point for transport services, via an outer circumferential road which runs from Pico, La Trinidad-Lamtang-Naguilian road-Marcos Highway and loops to La Trinidad with easier access to Tuba, Sablan and Itogon.

The town of Tublay may also be included in the loop, it was learned. A common area for transportation; jeepneys and buses, shall be proposed.

A middle ring for transportation shall pass through Bonifaciost.-North Drive-Gov. Pack road-Kisad road-Legarda st-Yandoc st-Abanao st-Bonifacio st. while an inner ring passes through Bokawkan-Yandoc-Kisad-Military Cut Off-South Drive Circle-Leonard Wood rd.

Housing areas, schools, tourism and industrial areas shall be considered in the transport loop for the BLIST. A centennial village with a thousand housing units was proposed to be established in a neighboring town, with utilities being considered.

One strategy ws to re-direct development away from Baguio toward identified urban growth areas which would have a “cluster of development” with each cluster having its own specialization.

Discussions were also made on reforestation and reservation areas, water sources, hazard lines, sinking areas and special zones. All representatives agreed to have a detailed report on the said zones in their respective areas. La Trinidad, for one, shares the Busol Watershed with Baguio, while other areas are being used as watersheds for neighboring areas.

For the special industrial zones, Sablan and Tuba were considered. The move was seen to provide jobs for college graduates from neighboring towns.

Iimportance of neighbors for the BLIST projects was reportedly considered wherein concerns, proposals, and comments of stakeholders would considered in the Baguio City land use plan pending in the city council.

“Visioning” had been done earlier with the barangays, the youth, the Baguio Centennial Committee and the community as a whole, it was learned.

One identified problem was garbage and the need for consultations on ancestral domain issues, and Environmental Compliance Certificate required for a sanitary landfill, or materials recovery facility.

One important consideration was sustainable development in the programs. In all issues, stakeholders agreed planning together was most important.

Planning for the BLIST had been long overdue. The new year should be a good start to inject fresh air into it.