Baguio tourists reach 80,000/ Tree planting/Fuel rates up
>> Saturday, December 2, 2023
CITY HALL BEAT
Aileen P. Refuerzo
Tourist arrival figure during the long weekend from Nov. 24-26, 2023 was estimated at P80,000, according to the City Tourism Operations Office.
The dates saw the opening of the Botanical Garden “Christmas Metamorphosis,” a prelude to the city government’s month-long calendar of yuletide events dubbed “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas.”
City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo said that for said weekend, the hotel occupancy rate was between 90 to 100 percent.
He said a similar trend is expected in all weekends of December, the month being a perennial tourist peak season in the city.
He said heavy traffic was experienced in major attractions in the city particularly the Botanical Garden, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Wright Park, Igorot Stone Kingdom and Mirador Eco-park.
The Baguio City Police Office noted a heavy influx of vehicles on said dates for the whole duration said the traffic situation was intensively monitored for necessary adjustments.
As of October, the City Tourism Office has recorded 787,572 tourist arrivals for this year.
The city’s tourist data are 1,042,309 in 2022; 247,480 in 2021; 1,536,458 in 2019; 1,760,729 in 2018; 1,521,748 in 2017; and 1,294,906 in 2016.
The tourist data could be higher as they only include visitors who stayed in the registered accommodation establishments that submitted their occupancy reports. The figures do not include the day tourists who did not stay in AEs and those who made use of AEs but were unreported.
***
Planting season may be over this year but it does not mean the end of our forest protection activities.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office led by lawyer Rhenan Diwas said schools, organizations and groups may still proceed with their environmental activities as the city's forest and tree maintenance program is year-round.
CEPMO Forestry Division head Floro Bastian said that in lieu of tree planting activities which is only done during the wet season, groups may engage in tree tending and ring weeding sessions to care for the seedlings planted earlier.
CEPMO Asst. Dept. Head Marivic Empizo said a total of 12,850 tree seedlings had been planted in various tree planting activities coordinated with their office.
For scheduling and coordination, groups may get in touch with the CEPMO Forestry Division at 09105328139.
***
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed concern anew over the wide gap in the prices of fuel in the city and other localities.
"There is again a high difference between the costs of fuel in the city and nearby provinces. In some petroleum products, the price difference average reaches P10," the mayor said.
"Let me reiterate, what gives?" the mayor bemoaned.
The mayor had raised the issue twice -- first in 2019 and again in April this year.
Last April, he wrote to the industry leader and the Energy Regulatory Board to escalate the concern.
In October, 2019, the mayor sought an audience with the executives of the three big industry players and aired the city’s appeal to reduce permanently the price differences.
Petron Corporation through Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs Charmaine Canillas granted the appeal and reduced the cost in the city by P3.
CITY HALL BEAT
An enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023
Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY -- The spirit of enchantment will be the defining feature of this year's Christmas festivities, meticulously planned and curated by the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC).
Gladys Vergara, the esteemed chair and president of BTC, unveiled an array of activities to celebrate "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas," headlined by the creation of a Christmas Market at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.
This charming village promises a festive haven for park goers and revelers throughout the Yuletide season. Vergara, exuding enthusiasm, assured that visitors would be enveloped in the cozy charm of the Baguio Christmas Market. She emphasized that the ambiance alone would infuse the air with the joyous spirit of Yuletide. "Christmas decorated pathways will guide visitors through quaint stalls adorned with twinkling lights, creating a scene of merriment," she added.
Mayor Benjie Magalong expressed the city’s gladness over the repertoire of Christmas-themed events the BTC has laid out for Yuletide.
“Christmas has always been celebrated with spiritual piety as blended with contemporary practices, a much-visited pageant our people have been known for, “ he said.
He underscored the significance of Christmas in Baguio, affirming that locals returning from OFW work have looked forward to reunite with families held dearest.
Other city department heads also echoed the Mayor’s enthusiasm, recalling how long unseen relatives have always eagerly awaited being back home for the Christmas holidays.
The BTC also thanked other government sectors for the public support in holding the various Christmas events throughout the holiday season, among them the City Tourism Office, the City Environment and Parks Management Office for enlivening the city parks including the Botanical Garden, the City Engineering Office and the City Building and Architecture Office for the infrastructure needs of the stage and other platforms, the City Budget Office for the funding needs.
“We’re all doing these events hand in hand between the public and private sectors. By the splendid collaboration of everyone, we’re celebrating Christmas the enchanted way, bewitching returning locals and visitors to spend Yuletide in a city closest to the Philippine skies,”he said.
Highlighting the European-themed Christmas market, Vergara emphasized the irresistible aroma of seasonal treats, ranging from freshly baked gingerbread to roasted chestnuts. Park goers and revelers are invited to wander through cobblestoned pathways, exploring handcrafted gifts, unique ornaments, and artisanal delights. Embark on a magical journey through the Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 with a series of captivating events.
The festivities commence with a spectacular light show on November 29, marking the grand launch of the Baguio Christmas Market at the Burnham Park Rose Garden. On December 1, experience the traditional lighting ceremony, bringing the Baguio Christmas tree atop historic Session Road to life. Delight in the enchanting Christmas Metamorphosis at the Botanical Garden, open daily, and on December 3, indulge in the whimsical Nutcracker Ballet—a delightful collaboration between the Philippine Military Academy and Ballet Baguio. Concurrently, the precision of the PMA Silent Drill will be showcased at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. On December 9, immerse yourself in the melodious notes of the University of Baguio Annual Christmas Cantata at the Rose Garden. The Baguio Cosplay Community will pay tribute to Filipino heroes with "Pagpupugay sa mga Bayaning Pilipino" on December 30, followed by the grand 2024 New Year’s countdown extravaganza on the next day.
Throughout December, a diverse mix of other festive events and shows will keep the spirit of the season alive. "From the heart-warming ambiance to the delightful sights and sounds permeating all around, everyone will have a magical Christmas experience worth cherishing long after the essence has dissipated," she said.
The festivities commence with a spectacular light show on November 29, marking the grand launch of the Baguio Christmas Market at the Burnham Park Rose Garden. On December 1, experience the traditional lighting ceremony, bringing the Baguio Christmas tree atop historic Session Road to life. Delight in the enchanting Christmas Metamorphosis at the Botanical Garden, open daily, and on December 3, indulge in the whimsical Nutcracker Ballet—a delightful collaboration between the Philippine Military Academy and Ballet Baguio. Concurrently, the precision of the PMA Silent Drill will be showcased at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. On December 9, immerse yourself in the melodious notes of the University of Baguio Annual Christmas Cantata at the Rose Garden. The Baguio Cosplay Community will pay tribute to Filipino heroes with "Pagpupugay sa mga Bayaning Pilipino" on December 30, followed by the grand 2024 New Year’s countdown extravaganza on the next day.
Throughout December, a diverse mix of other festive events and shows will keep the spirit of the season alive. "From the heart-warming ambiance to the delightful sights and sounds permeating all around, everyone will have a magical Christmas experience worth cherishing long after the essence has dissipated," she said.
CITY HALL BEAT
Fight vs vapers, smokers on/ No massage, manicure, fortune-telling at Burnham
Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGIUO CITY -- The city government's operations against violators of the city's Smoke-Free ordinance are continuing.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force said that from January to September this year, a total of 1,743 apprehensions have been recorded.
Of the total, 946 were individuals and 796 were establishments, most which had multiple violations.
The task force also noted an increase in the number of teenagers being caught vaping in public.
The Public Order and Safety Division, a member of the task force, recorded total of 376 vaping apprehensions from January to Nov. 16.
POSD head enforcer Daryll Longid said they have been apprehending vapers, mostly teenagers, in public places.
Those who are 18 years old and above are being admonished and issued citation tickets while their vape units are confiscated.
Minors on the other hand are also being issued citation tickets and handed over to the Women's and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) for further processing.
The task force reported that while the prevalence of smoking had decreased in the past two years, the incidence of vape use among the youth in the city had spiraled.
In fact, the City Health Services Office had affirmed that there is already an ongoing vape use epidemic in the city due to the rapidly increasing use of vape and e-cigarettes notably among youths aged 14-18.
" The increase of vape use among the youth can be mostly attributed to the aggressive marketing campaign of the vape industry and its community where a lot of deception is employed, which keeps the public grossly misinformed about the true ill effects of electronic nicotine/non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) or more popularly known as vape," Longid said.
He said that "contrary to the misinformation being peddled, vape is more dangerous than the traditional cigarette because it is far more convenient to use; easily concealed; can be discreetly used anywhere; it tastes and smells exceptionally better than its traditional counterpart; and to a certain extent, it is more economical than cigarettes."
"The compounding result due to the greater incidence of its use makes vape more dangerous than your traditional cigarette. Nonetheless, let's not lose sight of the fact that both vape and cigarettes can kill and both vices should be suppressed," Longid said.
Ordinance 34-2017 or “Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, and other tobacco products in public places.
***
Personal services such as massage, manicure, tattooing and fortune telling along with illegal vending are strictly prohibited in Burnham Park and other parks in the city, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) announced.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered intensive monitoring of these illegal activities after receiving reports of increasing incidence of theft involving persons providing massage services.
He also advised the public not to patronize these illegal services and to immediately report such to the roving guards, the Public Order and Safety Division or to the CEPMO at 09174158224.
"They were not content in plying their illegal business at the park, they also had the gall to steal from their customers," he said.
The CEPMO has posted signages in strategic places and instructed the security company along with the Tourist Police personnel to intensify monitoring to prevent said activities.
The Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) recently engaged the affected individuals, numbering about 80, who provide services that are not covered by the city's Environment Code or Ordinance No. 18 series of 2016 to stop their activities.
POSD Chief Enforcer Daryll Longid reportedly asked the group about the complaints made against them by tourists and park goers particularly "their deceptive way of conducting business such when they offer a sample of their massage that is supposedly for free but then goes on to give a full service, without their customers consent, and then charge them with exhorbitant fees in the end, usually employing intimidation."
" Our head also told them about reports of alleged stealing of customers' belongings and their failure to give back their change. The group tried to put the blame of these deplorable acts on those they claim to be 'dayo' or people who are not from Baguio who come to the city to offer massage services at our parks. Our chief however reminded them that the same complaints were received against their group even before these 'dayos' started appearing at Burnham Park," the POSD said.
Longid made suggestions on how the group can professionalize their ranks and explore ways to gain legal employment which the group promised to work on.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force said that from January to September this year, a total of 1,743 apprehensions have been recorded.
Of the total, 946 were individuals and 796 were establishments, most which had multiple violations.
The task force also noted an increase in the number of teenagers being caught vaping in public.
The Public Order and Safety Division, a member of the task force, recorded total of 376 vaping apprehensions from January to Nov. 16.
POSD head enforcer Daryll Longid said they have been apprehending vapers, mostly teenagers, in public places.
Those who are 18 years old and above are being admonished and issued citation tickets while their vape units are confiscated.
Minors on the other hand are also being issued citation tickets and handed over to the Women's and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) for further processing.
The task force reported that while the prevalence of smoking had decreased in the past two years, the incidence of vape use among the youth in the city had spiraled.
In fact, the City Health Services Office had affirmed that there is already an ongoing vape use epidemic in the city due to the rapidly increasing use of vape and e-cigarettes notably among youths aged 14-18.
" The increase of vape use among the youth can be mostly attributed to the aggressive marketing campaign of the vape industry and its community where a lot of deception is employed, which keeps the public grossly misinformed about the true ill effects of electronic nicotine/non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) or more popularly known as vape," Longid said.
He said that "contrary to the misinformation being peddled, vape is more dangerous than the traditional cigarette because it is far more convenient to use; easily concealed; can be discreetly used anywhere; it tastes and smells exceptionally better than its traditional counterpart; and to a certain extent, it is more economical than cigarettes."
"The compounding result due to the greater incidence of its use makes vape more dangerous than your traditional cigarette. Nonetheless, let's not lose sight of the fact that both vape and cigarettes can kill and both vices should be suppressed," Longid said.
Ordinance 34-2017 or “Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, and other tobacco products in public places.
***
Personal services such as massage, manicure, tattooing and fortune telling along with illegal vending are strictly prohibited in Burnham Park and other parks in the city, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) announced.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered intensive monitoring of these illegal activities after receiving reports of increasing incidence of theft involving persons providing massage services.
He also advised the public not to patronize these illegal services and to immediately report such to the roving guards, the Public Order and Safety Division or to the CEPMO at 09174158224.
"They were not content in plying their illegal business at the park, they also had the gall to steal from their customers," he said.
The CEPMO has posted signages in strategic places and instructed the security company along with the Tourist Police personnel to intensify monitoring to prevent said activities.
The Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) recently engaged the affected individuals, numbering about 80, who provide services that are not covered by the city's Environment Code or Ordinance No. 18 series of 2016 to stop their activities.
POSD Chief Enforcer Daryll Longid reportedly asked the group about the complaints made against them by tourists and park goers particularly "their deceptive way of conducting business such when they offer a sample of their massage that is supposedly for free but then goes on to give a full service, without their customers consent, and then charge them with exhorbitant fees in the end, usually employing intimidation."
" Our head also told them about reports of alleged stealing of customers' belongings and their failure to give back their change. The group tried to put the blame of these deplorable acts on those they claim to be 'dayo' or people who are not from Baguio who come to the city to offer massage services at our parks. Our chief however reminded them that the same complaints were received against their group even before these 'dayos' started appearing at Burnham Park," the POSD said.
Longid made suggestions on how the group can professionalize their ranks and explore ways to gain legal employment which the group promised to work on.
0 comments:
Post a Comment