Mayors create BLISTT ‘governing council’

By Freda Toyoken

BAGUIO CITY – Mayors of Baguio and nearby towns of Benguet signed an agreement here Jan. 18 creating a “governing council” to start framework and boost economic activities of the areas. 

Except for La Trinidad, chief executives of the towns of Baguio, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay in Benguet  (BLISST) signed amended memorandum of agreement in a breakfast meeting  here at Prince Plaza Hotel.

The MOA however, would be subject to confirmation of their respective town and city councils.

La Trinidad Mayor Edna Tabanda said she is awaiting confirmation and authorization to sign from La Trinidad’s Sanggunian Bayan.

If confirmed by their respective Sanggunian Bayan and Panglungsod, the MOA will supersede the 2012 BLISTT MOA together with agreements previously signed by the parties.

The amended MOA creates the Governing Council, composed of BLISTT local executives, and the Development Council composed of BLISTT mayors with their respective Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDOs).

Included in the Council are Baguio Rep. Nicasio Aliping and Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan, Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan  and Baguio City police director Senior Supt. Jesus Cambay and provincial police directors.

Also part of the council are and regional line agencies namely the Departments of Interior and Local government, environment and Natural Resources, Local Government, Tourism, Highways, Trade and Industry and National Economic Development Authority and national  Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Also signed by BLISTT executives was a resolution requesting the Dept. of Science and Technology / Metal Industry Research and Development Center to expand coverage of its feasibility study on urban monorail/train system for Baguio to include the whole of BLISTT and consider electrical jeepneys as  alternative.

Next in the BLISTT agenda includes election of officers in the Governing Council, the BLISTT Strategic Development Framework and local consultations to solicit views on the BLISTT initiatives.