Decongesting Baguio through BLISTT

EDITORIAL

Just recently, mayors of Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay met and discussed matters on how to advance their interests with the BLISTT concept of decentralizing Baguio by distributing development to Benguet towns under it.

The concept itself is progressive, but then, more discussion on how development should go should be done and stakeholders should be invited to such meetings.

During a recent consultation at Baguio city hall Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan said “plans target specifically the improvement of each municipality in relation to the group.”

The mayor cited completion of the Baguio circumferential road, funded primarily due to its being part of the BLISTT project. Other main roads: Naguilian, Marcos Highway and Kennon have also been identified by European Union experts as priority projects and funded accordingly. “If these were not identified as needs, they would not have been funded immediately,” the mayor said, citing cumbersome procurement procedures for materials and funds.     

Completion of other road projects are bound to follow which could cut travel time and boost tourism around the BLISTT area, it was known as tourism boosts income in certain areas, as there would be need for food and lodging services. Needs such as water, housing and employment are next on the agenda of the BLISTT mayors.

The mayor said potable water would have to be sourced out, and excess shared with other communities with the need. “Affordable housing, such as that of a Baguio university in Sablan is proof that efforts (in urban decentralization of services) are starting to bear fruit,” the mayor said. “This also means we need our neighbors, as we could not stand by ourselves.”   

An extension of Export Processing Zone from Loakan, Baguio to Itogon, Benguet is reportedly being eyed, with expected investments to pour in. According to proponents, tourism in Tuba would improve its status, as a rise in revenue payments is expected, with employment opportunities, and as next destination of tourists; with its exotic caves, hot springs and the newly-opened dinosaur exploration park. Other places of interest in tourism and economic development in the BLISTT, including adjoining municipalities, are reportedly being explored.

Shift of colleges and universities to peripheries of urban centers would be better, as services to those in the outskirts is extended, according to proponents saying this would redound to better interrelationships and lessen individualistic thinking.

Crowding in the central business district, they said, would be lessened and resources well-distributed. The use of infrastructure projects would also be maximized.

Mayor Florencio Bentres of Tuba, however toned down expectations of audience, saying  establishment of the BLISTT is “not a miracle,” but the fruit of “expansion of thinking,” which was agreed on by those present.

Architect and planner Jody Alabanza, who earlier proposed the BLISTT concept said“seeming progress of the group would help solve each other’s problems.” Accordingly, funding for programs shall be shared by local government unit in the BLISTT group.