Baguio folks air radiation risk on construction of TV broadcasting station

BY Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – The city government with its mandate to involve residents on decision making conducted a public consultation on a planned construction of a giant network’s broadcasting office here.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan in a letter addressed to members of the Local Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals (LZBAA) requested a meeting with officials and residents of Quezon Hill Proper Barangay regarding the zoning exemption of ABS-CBN Baguio for a one-storey broadcasting office located at first road, Quezon Hill.

The public hearing was recently done headed by Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr., chair on the SP’s Committee on urban Planning, Lands and housing with the members of the LZBAA.

Residents have been apprehensive on the networks planned construction of a broadcast office citing health issues and environmental concerns.

ABS-CBN’s Station manager Bernard Aldana however explained the station will not install huge antennas which can pose radiation risk.

Aldana said, “the network uses microwave technology which is also being used in their present office in CAP building, upper Session road where it does not pose any danger.”

“We assure our officials that constant meetings between barangay officials and residents will be done in order to thresh-out other issues or concerns,” Aldana said.

Meantime, Architect Joseph Alabanza commended the city in its effort to involve the public in the affairs of government.

Alabanza said, “Involving the people in decision making especially those who will be directly affected is a step forward towards good governance.”