Two vehicular accidents/public market obstructions, eyesores, electrical wiring

City Hall Beat

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer attended to the victims of two vehicular accidents that transpired today, Jan. 14, 2025.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that based on the report of OCSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan, five victims of a road mishap involving a taxi and pedestrians at Lower General Luna Road at 3:20 p.m. today, Jan.14, 2025 were immediately responded to.

Bulayungan said four suffered slight injuries and are now being treated at the hospital waiting for the results of their tests either for discharge or admission.

One victim however sustained serious injuries.

Coordination was made with the families and the social welfare office of Itogon municipality where three of the victims reside.  The other two are from Kias barangay.

Financial assistance is also being readied for qualified patients.

Baguio City Police Office initial investigation showed that the driver of the vehicle, an Isuzu Crosswind while traversing Lower General Luna Road, Baguio City en route to Magsaysay Avenue incurred an error and bumped into a Toyota Innova.

The BCPO report said personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit who responded to the accident advised both drivers to proceed to the TEU office for proper disposition of the case.  While doing so, the offending driver again miscalculated and ran into the victims who were crossing the pedestrian lane.

All victims were rushed to the hospital by responding Emergency Medical Service personnel while the driver was put under the custody of TEU for documentation and proper disposition.

Bulayungan said they also provided assistance to the family of a 56-year-old man from Loakan Liwanag who also died in a road accident at 8:20 a.m. today Jan. 14, 2025 along BGH Compound.

The BCPO said the incident happened while both vehicles were descending towards Kennon Road.

The victim was quickly transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Bulayungan said the city provided burial assistance and psychological first aid to the family of the deceased.

***

A joint inspection was conducted by the city government offices at the 1st and 2nd Kayang and Hilltop Road at the city market to check on sidewalk obstructions, extensions and eyesores and other violations.

The joint team from the Market Office, Baguio City Police Office, Public Order and Safety Division and the Permits and Licensing Division issued 27 citation tickets for obstruction violations, two tickets for violation of Ordinance No. 34-17 or Smoke-Free Baguio ordinance and one for violation of Ordinance No. 35-17 or the Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio ordinance.

The team also confiscated unsanitary wooden chopping boards, bollards used as umbrella stands, dilapidated tables, dirty crates, concrete cements used as umbrella stands and canopy pegs.
The permits division also issued notices to those with business license issues.

***

Personnel of the City Market Office and the City Buildings and Architecture Office inspect the electrical wirings of some sections of the city market last Jan. 11, 2025.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the preventive check-up to identify faulty electrical wirings and other conditions that may lead to fires and accidents.

Inspected were the stalls at the coconut section, rice section, tinapa section, tobacco section and Hangar market alley.

Earlier, a stall owner sought help from the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) after observing electrical spark and smoke from his space which was locked and could not be opened.

POSD Head Daryll Longid said they rushed to the stall with a bolt cutter and found policemen already there trying to unlock the door.

Using the POSD tool, they eventually opened the stall but found no signs of spark and smoke.
It was suggested that the owner shut down the circuit breaker as a precaution.

This prompted the mayor to call for the inspection of the electrical wirings.

Last Dec. 29, a fire broke out the city market destroying stalls at the miscellaneous section at Hilltop Road.

 

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Teachers Camp Road open / New Baguio Vision

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Teachers Camp has reopened its interior road connecting Leonard Wood Road and South Drive Road to private vehicles starting today until Jan. 13, 2023 from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

    This was upon the approval by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte of Mayor Benjamin Magalong's request to open said inner street as an alternative passage route to ease traffic woes in the area especially during the holiday season.

    The approval was subject to conditions that the scheme be implemented with close monitoring by policemen to ensure the safety and security of the premises, the motorists and pedestrians entering the area.

    This is the third time that the DepEd secretary acceded to the city government’s request for the alternate route opening.  Duterte approved the city’s appeal around the same time last year to address the holiday rush and again last May for the summer vacation activities.

Baguio City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit chief Maj. Zacarias Dausen said opening the inner road helps unclog bottlenecks in the area such as Ilusorio Drive and Pacdal Rotunda.

                    ***

The City Development Council  chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified the selection of the city’s new vision: “Baguio 2043 – A Creative, Inclusive and Livable City” in its fourth meeting last Nov. 29, 2023.

    The said vision was selected overwhelmingly by the public in an online voting conducted early November.

    The multi-sectoral CDC, a mandatory body responsible for the formulation, management and monitoring of development plans and public investment programs of the city government, approved the new vision through a resolution and submitted the same to the city council for adoption.

    The CDC which is composed of the 128 punong barangays of the city along with the 43 civil society organizations representing the various sectors and stakeholders sectors had been involved in the various stages of the vision  process starting last June.

    Mayor Magalong and the City Planning and Development Office under architect Donna Tabangin said the city made sure that the vision formulation process involved all sectors particularly the health, environment, agriculture, faith-based, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, farmers, cooperatives, women, children, girls, and family, sports, media, youth, professionals, and business and the public in general for an inclusive outcome. The vision's revision is in line with the updating of the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2024-2032 which charts the city’s physical and economic development for the next eight years and the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2028, which contains the city's development programs in the next five years.

    Creativity: This suggests a desire for the city to be a hub of artistic and cultural expression, fostering innovation, and supporting the creative industries. It could involve initiatives to promote the arts, cultural events, and innovation hubs, as well as technological solutions or smart systems as new ways of attaining sustainability and resiliency.

The new vision was explained:

    *2043: The year 2043 conveys that the vision is about overcoming the projected onset of irreversible urban decay by 2043 if we have not started putting in solutions to curb it now.

*Inclusivity: The term "inclusive" implies that the city is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal access to opportunities and services. It's a call for social and economic equity and diversity, people-centeredness, accountability, responsive, and progressive governance.

*Livability: "Livable" signifies a commitment to making Baguio a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a focus on factors such as clean air, efficient transportation, green spaces, and a strong community.

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4th grader tops Burnham Lake fishing tourney/ Baguio tops Phl English proficiency

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- A fourth grader resident of the city emerged as top winner in the 5th Fishing Tournament staged Nov. 27 here at Burnham Park Lake.
    Fishing enthusiast Rafael Serrano who organized the event in cooperation with the city government said 10-year-old Dion Ballesca bested 24 other anglers from different age groups who joined the event.
"This is the first time that a youngster won our competition in the five editions that we had," Serrano said.
Ballesca, who joined the event for the second time, was trailed by Julius Carnece who placed second and Onofre Ogena, third.
    He was declared winner after turning in a catch of more than 30 fishes, according to Serrano.
    During the competition, the participants were divided into three batches and were given an hour to fish.
    The scoring was based on the number and size of the fish or shrimp caught.
    The winners will be awarded during the City Hall flag-raising ceremonies on Dec. 4.
    The event is in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong through the City Administrator's Office under City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña and the City Environment and Parks Management Office under Atty. Rhenan Diwas.
    Serrano was assisted by coordinators Bong Sabado, Jackson Abion, Frank Reigo and Ronald Claros.
    ***
Mayor Benjamin Magalong is elated by Baguio City's achievement as the city with the highest English proficiency in the country based on the 2023 English Proficiency Index of international education company EF Education First (EF).
    "We are proud to have achieved such status.  We commend our educators -- our principals, professors, teachers including the non-academic personnel both in the public and private sectors -- for a job well done in providing our students quality education not only in the English subject but also in all aspects of learning," the mayor said.
    He also credited the students and parents who give importance to education and  strive to pursue academic excellence and this is aligned with his administration's resolve to empower the youth in leadership, decision-making and in shaping city's development thrusts
    The mayor said it is noteworthy that the accomplishment was realized while the academic sector was still recovering from the learning challenges brought by the pandemic and other upheavals.
Baguio City and the Cordillera Region topped the country's lists of cities and regions with very high English proficiency, according to the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index.
    Based on the results of EF's "in-depth country-specific analysis" of 19 Philippine cities, Baguio City got the highest score with 619 followed closely by Dumaguete City with 618 and Davao, 609.
    Among the 18 regions tested, CAR topped the list with a score of 616 followed by Davao region with 606 and Eastern Visayas, 596.
    Manila was at seventh place with 587 while National Capital Region was at fourth place with a score of 593.
The Philippines ranked 20th among 113 countries worldwide by retaining its overall score of 578 from the 2022 index and made it to the list of countries with high English proficiency.  The Netherlands was number one globally.
    Among 23 countries in Asia, the Philippines placed second to topnotcher Singapore which also ranked second globally.
It is impressive that the country maintained its score as EF's analysis showed that most best performing countries posted decreased average scores attributed to the impact of the pandemic.
    According to the index, English proficiency had been highest among Filipinos under the age group of 26 to 30.
The index which ranks English-language skills in countries where English is not the native language was based on the standardized test results of 2.2 million participants from the 113 countries.
    The participants took the EF Standard English Test, said to be "an online, adaptive English test of reading and listening skills designed to categorize the participants' language abilities into the six levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference."
    EF is an "international education company offering study abroad, language learning, cultural exchange and academic programs around the world."
 

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Baguio tourists reach 80,000/ Tree planting/Fuel rates up

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.

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.
 
 

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City Camp flooding/ Fishing tilt set Nov. 25/ Bee industry

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged the public to refrain from indiscriminately throwing their garbage to prevent them from ending up into the drainage inlets and causing flooding at the City Camp lagoon.
    "This has been the perennial problem at the lagoon every time it rains," said City Engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo whose team along with officials and volunteers of barangays rushed to the scene to remove the accumulated wastes carried by floodwaters at the height of the heavy downpour last weekend.
    The said team also composed of personnel from the Baguio City Police Office keeps watch over the facility ready to undertake declogging operations to remove the debris abd prevent water from accumulating and causing flooding.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked the team for their concern and dedication. 
    "We commend our CEO personnel and barangay officials and volunteers for their hard work in cleaning up the City Camp tunnel metal screen," he said.
    He reiterated his appeal to residents to mind their garbage at all times and especially during inclement weather so as not to exacerbate the problem.
    ***
The 5th annual fishing tournament at Burnham Lake here has been reset to Nov. 25.
Head organizer Rafael Serrano said they needed more time to prepare, especially since the original schedule will come on the heels of the long vacation.
    Participants can register at Rxemedy Pharmacy conveniently located at 227-A Balabag Building Camp 7, beside 7-11 in front of Total Gas Station. They can also register by calling 0916-795-7840 gcash method. Registration fee is only P500.00.
Serrano said they expect an exciting competition with the lake now teeming with fish that were released in August last year.
Awarding of winners will take place during the Baguio City Hall flag ceremony on December 4.
    Serrano’s co-coordinators for the annual tournament are Bong Sabado, Jackson Abion, Frank Riego and Ronald Claros.      He also thanked sponsors from the United States namelyTommy Macalino, Ed Zurdilla and Jackson Abion.
The event is in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong  through the City Administrator's Office under City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña and the City Environment and Parks Management Office under Atty. Rhenan Diwas.
    ***
The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office on October 26, 2023 visited the thriving apiary located at the Mines View Park, owned and managed by the Badihoy Honey Beekeepers Association Incorporated (BHBA Inc.).
    Senior Agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said the team witnessed firsthand not only the beekeepers' mastery of nurturing bee colonies but also their dedication as "conscientious farmers to safeguard one of Earth's most vital insects."
    "This immersive experience not only revealed to us the intricate artistry of beekeeping but also its being a noble profession demanding immense dedication in terms of time, commitment and financial resources.  The team also learned about the challenges these guardians of bees face, grappling with the daunting trifecta of climate change, pollution and natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for support," the CVAO team shared.
    Tabelin said the activity is part of the office's program to prepare the group for accreditation by the Dept. of Agriculture to avail of assistance packages from the department.
    She said some of the members of the association were among the 100 recipients of beekeeping starter kits distributed by the city government in 2021 as livelihood grant from the DA.
    During the CVAO team's visit, BHBA Inc. member Ecequiell Gabatin shared a fascinating insight into the City's honey production.
    "He revealed that the golden hue of the honey, harvested during the peak season spanning November to February, owes its unique color to the nectar gathered from the lush wild sunflowers that bloom during the chilly embrace of the 'ber' season," the CVAO said.
    "This distinctive characteristic sets Baguio's honey apart from other varieties found in different corners of the globe.  Recognizing the authenticity and health benefits associated with pure honey, the beekeeping industry emerges as a promising avenue for urban farmers, opening doors to a wealth of opportunities in harmony with nature."

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No strike for transport group/ Universities against vape

 CITY HALL  BEAT 

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked the city’s transport sector for again not joining the nationwide “tigil-pasada” last Oct. 16, 2023.
    “We express our gratitude to the public utility vehicle federation and associations for once again putting public service over their personal interests.  Your selfless act of always honoring your role as providers of essential service to the riding public is truly commendable.  Maraming salamat,” the mayor said.
    The Baguio City Police Office under City Director P Col. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. said there was no monitored movement to join the Manibela transport strike in all of the stations that day.
    Nonetheless, they prepared contingency measures like the provision of “Libreng Sakay” units in all of the stations for any eventuality. 
    For years now, PUV associations in the city had refused to join restive actions on causes involving the sector.
    Last March when another mass action was planned nationwide,  Wilson Bumay-et Jr., president of the Baguio-Benguet Jeepney Federation, said to represent almost 95 percent jeepney associations within Baguio City and Benguet said they do not support the call for transport strike as it “demeans the principle of public service which does not only mean providing public transportation on our part but also providing help to those in need.”
    As providers of essential services at a rate where the public can afford, the continuity of our service is of much more importance than the recognition or compensation we may receive.”
    He said that although transport issues like the modernization program of the government “is a challenge to every member in the transport group, it is not a reason to go beyond the true meaning of serving the riding public especially when our children, the economy and the good of everybody is at stake.”
                                               ***

Two Baguio City universities —the University of the Cordilleras and University of Baguio — took a firm stand against smoking and vaping by implementing a crackdown to curtail these harmful vices in support of the city government’s Smoke-Free Baguio campaign.
    Both universities adopted policies prohibiting vape gadgets and cigarettes inside their premises and sneaking in items were immediately confiscated.
    To show their seriousness in pursuing the campaign, the schools, through their student affairs offices, conducted a ceremonial crushing of the seized items last Oct. 20, 2023 in coordination with the Smoke-Free Task Force.  UC destroyed a total of 246 confiscated vape units while UB crushed an almost identical number at 245.
    The Smoke-Free Task Force headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong lauded the universities’ efforts saying schools play a crucial role in curbing smoking and vaping which continues to be a serious threat to the health and well-being of the city’s youths.
“    The academe has made a statement to promote a smoke-free environment for their students and this is a big boost to the city’s campaign,” the task force said.
     The crushed devices were turned over to the City Health Services Office for proper disposal as hazardous wastes. – With a report from KJ Pagada
 
 

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Baguio cops wins 3rd Red Orchid Award for smoke-free programs

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – This summer capital attained its third Red Orchid Award for its effective implementation of smoke-free programs.
    With the feat, the city was elevated to the Hall of Fame of the prestigious incentives award program, the highest distinction given by the Dept. of Health to government organizations working to achieve a 100 percent smoke-free environment.
     The DOH-CAR awarded the plaque of recognition to the city government through the City Health Services Office led by Acting Asst. City Health Officer Dr. Lourdes Pakoy during the Am-Among for Health Gawad Kalusugan program held last Oct. 20, 2023.
    The city achieved a score of 91.66 percent based on the quality standards on tobacco prevention and control set by the World Health Organization.
    The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed pride in the city being a “a beacon of excellence in implementing smoke-free programs recognized as a smoke-free City having one of the best and strongest anti-smoking ordinances in the country.”
    The city received its first Red Orchid Award in 2018 and the second in 2022 where it garnered a score of 98.8 percent for its continued efforts of strictly implementing the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance through inspection, apprehension, and information and education campaigns.
    The task force said the city has around 1,500 smoke-free enforcers coming from the city and community task forces.  The apprehension activities are supplemented by massive information drives involving the different sectors.
    The Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance regulates tobacco products and ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), and disallows smoking in public areas and indoor smoke areas. Penalties range from P1000 to P3000 for individuals and P2000 to P5000 for establishments. The content of the ordinance can be found in www.smokefreebaguio.com/ordinance.
    The city actively implements Ordinance No. 34-2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance  which regulates tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and disallows smoking in public areas and indoor smoke areas. Penalties range from P1,000 to P3,000 for individuals and P2,000 to P5,000 for establishments.
 

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

Compassionate city: Baguio’s mental health program

BAGUIO CITY -- Student interns of the Mental Health and Wellness Unit of the Baguio City Health Services Office undergo hands-on training on the city's mental health programs including actual interactions with vagrant patients.
    Mental Health coordinator Ricky Ducas Jr. said bulk of the on-the-job training tasks of these students involve field work that had them conduct profiling and administering basic care to vagrants with psychosis with supervision from their office.
Ducas said this is in keeping with the city government's thrust to foster service with compassion.
    The CHSO now under Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes started this community immersion program last year when they began accommodating student interns taking up nursing and psychology courses.
    Around 300 psychology and nursing students from St. Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and Pines City Colleges undergo immersion at the office each year.
    Ducas said that to make their exposure to the community relevant and worthwhile, students were taught to relate with the patients, do profiling for recording and monitoring purposes and provide basic services to them.
    "They provide psychosocial support like they talk to them to give them a sense of interpersonal relationship," Ducas said.
    "They take their vital signs and maintain their personal hygiene like give them a bath with the help of the pay comfort room owners who waive their fees, give them a change of clothing, trim their nails and the like." 
    Ducas said this is so that students learn about compassion and empathy early on so they can imbibe these virtues in their future professions and treat their future patients with genuine care.
    Their records showed there were 22 psychotic vagrants being served in the city.  Six of them had been reintegrated to their families through the joint effortd of the CHSO, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Baguio General Hospital and other public and private offices and groups.
    Their profiling includes assessments of the patients' health conditions and family background and it was found out that that most of these vagrants have no more support groups capable of caring for them so that despite the offices' efforts to rescue and reunite them with their families, they still go back to the streets.
"It's either that their siblings are too old or sickly.  They may have younger relatives but they have their own families and have problems of their own.  Most of them are also economically deprived.  There are those who may be capable of caring for them but are wary because of the stigma that a person with such illness can be dangerous," Ducas said.
Nevertheless, efforts to provide them basic assistance and find ways to reunite them with their families and communities are continuing, Ducas assured.

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

9 food establishments closed/Training seniors on computers

BAGUIO CITY -- Nine establishments, six of which were good businesses, had been subjected to closure proceedings due to unsanitary condition of their operations since January this year.
    Engr. Bryan Charles Carame, head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office, said that of the six food establishments, two were engaged in taho production, two in lumpia wrapper production, one pizza production and one kakanin production.  
    The three others were sari-sari stores. 
    Some of these establishments have reopened after complying with the recommendations and correcting their infractions under the guidance of the division.  
    Carame said monitoring still continues to ensure that they will not repeat their misdeeds.
    Last Oct. 10, 2023, a a lumpia wrapper factory at Hilltop Market was closed down by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) assisted by the Public Order and Safety Division by virtue of a closure order issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
    The lumpia factory was found to be operating under unsanitary conditions as per the result of inspections conducted by the sanitation division. 
    It was also found to be operating without a business permit and thus has not been paying regulatory fees and business taxes. 
    Also last September, a taho factory at Brookside barangay was flagged by the sanitation division also due to unhygienic condition and for causing air pollution. 
causing nuisance in the neighborhood. 
    A Sanitary Order and Notice of Violation were issued to the establishment which was directed to comply with sanitation standards and to stop using coconut husks for cooking to avoid excessive smoke within three days. 
    Carame said the division will continue monitoring establishments in the city to ensure the health and safety of the city’s populace. 
    Violations may be reported to the division at tel. no. 074-4449217.
              ***
A total of 25 senior citizens from different barangays underwent training on
basic computer literacy and hands-on use of laptops today, Oct. 12 at the Dept. of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Cordillera Training Center.
    The Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer under OCSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan said the digital literacy and computer operation training is part of the Senior Citizens Wellness Camp which is among the line-up of activities for the 2023 Elderly Filipino Month celebration with the theme: "Honoring the Invaluable Legacy of the Filipino Senior Citizens."
    The activity was headed by the OCSWDO and Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs Office (OSCA) headed by Laurito Alinao in partnership with the DICT-CAR, Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Associations and the City Mayor's Office.
Under the camp, the city's elderly are also scheduled to undergo swimming lessons and yoga classes scheduled this month.

 

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Baguio execs Lingkod Bayan Winners/ Stunting urban decay

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

The city government copped three major awards in the regional "Search for Outstanding Government Workers in the Cordillera Administrative Region" by the Civil Service Commission-CAR.
    Supervising City Tourism Operations Officer Aloysius Mapalo was adjudged the regional winner of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award in the individual category while the teams of the Baguio City Library and the Baguio Lead Contact Tracing took the plum in the group category.
    The Baguio City Public Library team is composed of City Librarian IV Easter Pablo and Librarian II Catalina Oloan while the Baguio Lead Contact Tracing Team is composed of team leader Medical Officer V Dr. Donabel Panes with P Lt. Col. Maximo Sumeg-ang, Jr. Administrative Assistants III Mischelle Junio and Jefferson Damoslog, all of Police Regional Office Cordillera and Information Analyst I Shan-ry Roberts.
    The contact tracing team also made it as semi-finalist in the national level of the annual search.
    They were awarded during the “Parangal Para sa Mga Katangi-tanging Lingkod Bayani ng Kordilyera” honor awards program in celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on Sept. 29, 2023 at Hotel Supreme.
    The complete list of the 2023 regional winners:
CSC Pag-asa award (Individual Category)
1. Dr. Henrietta Bagayao - City Health Officer II, Kalinga LGU
2. Redner Dayotao - Mechanical Plant Operator II, Baguio City LGU
3. Kathleen Glory David- Admin. Officer IV, DSWD-CAR
4. Loyda Saboy - City Public Employment  Services Officer, Tabuk City
5. Jimmy Taguilingon - Nutrition Action Officer, Asipulo, Ifugao
Dangal ng Bayan Award
1. Eleanor B. Ayan - Nutritionist Dietitian III, DSWD-CAR
2. Mary Hazel Ballena - School Principal II - DepEd Schools Division of Abra
3. Bernardo T. Cadaon, Jr. - Social Welfare Officer I, DSWD-CAR
4. Eric C. Mandiit - Atty. IV, PhilHealth -CAR
Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award
Group Category
1. Baguio City Public Library with Easter W. Pablo, Librarian IV, as Team Leader, and Catalina B. Oloan, Librarian II as member2. Baguio Lead Contact Tracing Team headed by Dr. Donabel T. Panes, Medical Officer V with Police Leutenant Colonel Maximo Sumeg-ang, Jr. (PRO Cordillera), Mischelle Junio, Admin Assistant III (PRO Cordillera), Jefferson Damoslog, Admin Assistant III (PRO Cordillera) and Shan-ry Robert's,  Information Analyst I of Baguio City as members
Individual Category
1. Aloysius C. Mapalo - Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, Baguio City
2. Roscinto Ian Lumbres - Professor IV, Benguet State University (BSU)
National Semi-Finalist
1. Eleanor B. Ayan, Nutrition Dietitian III, DSWD-CAR, Dangal ng Bayan Award
2. Bernardo T. Cadaon, Jr. - Social Welfare Officer I, DSWD-CAR, Dangal ng Bayan Award
3. Mary Hazel Ballena - School Principal II, DepEd Schools Division of Abra, Dangal ng Bayan Award
4. Baguio Lead Contact Tracing Team - Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award (Group Category).
                ***
The city government is moving towards managing its resources, population and tourism industry to raise the city’s carrying capacity to stunt urban decay and cope with climate-induced disasters and one of the ways is the aggressive pursuit of projects that help the city achieve innovation, sustainability and resiliency.
    During the Public-Private Partnership Investment Summit where the city’s high impact projects were presented to the public last Oct. 4-5, 2023, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city has to be ready with its mitigation and adaptation plans to delay if not reverse urban decay as well as cope with the inevitable effects of climate change and aside from building awareness, capacity and logistics, the city needs to implement “strategic and catalytic” projects that address the major environmental, economic and social needs of the populace.
    City Planning Development and Sustainability Office Coordinator Arch. Donna Tabangin who presented the city’s growth node model that charts the city’s urban spatial development said the city while having a small land area of 5,747 hectares is a virtual magnet for activities and people being the country’s summer capital.
    Aside from this, the city is a historic, commercial, educational and administrative center thus its nighttime population of 380,000 (2023 projection) doubles during the daytime.  It also attracts 1.7 million tourists yearly and captures 65 percent of the total tourist arrivals in the region and during holidays and peak tourist season, its nighttime population even quadruples.
This upsets the city’s carrying capacity and prompts a conundrum on whether the city should already curb its tourism industry.
    “Our economy is based on tourism and for us to close the borders of Baguio would be the death of our economy.  So we have arrived at that moment where we have to decide: close the borders or manage our resources, population and visitors?          And of course the better option is to manage,” she said.
    She said the city needs to be able to manage its resources, the city needs to improve its services and go for diversification and innovation which the projects embody.
    Tabangin said at present, the city has 59 catalytic projects being implemented from 2019-2022 which address the city’s seven-point agenda: managing environment, land use and energy; expanding climate and disaster resilience; strengthening urban regeneration; empowering the youth; accelerating economic development and competitiveness; hastening smart city transformation; and good governance.
    There also six big ticket projects, five of which are under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme: the Session Road Rehabilitation Project, Smart Urban Mobility Project, Electric Monorail and Bus Transport System, Intermodal Transport Terminal, Asin Hydropower Plants Development and Improvement Project and the Market Redevelopment Project.
    The Session Road Rehabilitation Project is a joint concept by the city government, the St. Louis University and the University of the Cordilleras and is anchored on the concept of safe access and mobility.
    The Smart Urban Mobility Project proposed by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation aims to provide holistic solutions to improve mobility and address the perennial traffic problem in the city.
    The Electric Monorail and Bus Transport System Metro by Renewable Transport Solutions Inc. aims to develop an electric monorail and bus transport system to provide green transport solutions in the City that will reduce traffic congestions and emissions thereby improving quality of life and economic activity.
    The Intermodal Transport Terminal by Megawide Construction Corporation eyes the development of an intermodal terminal along Marcos Highway that will cater to provincial buses coming from outside Baguio to serve as passenger transfer terminal to different modes of transportation going into the city to decentralize the vehicular traffic in the congested central business district and create a lot of breathing space within the urban core.
    The Asin Hydropower Plants Development and Improvement Project by Repower Energy Development Corporation Modernization of the Asin Hydropower Plants using latest electro-mechanical technologies and incorporating Artificial Intelligence software and hardware to provide optimized electricity generation.
    The Market Redevelopment Project by SM Prime Holdings Inc. seeks to transform the city market which has turned into a congested and unsightly landmark into a “world class” public market with commercial retail and parking.
 

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Baguio’s land use plan/Climate change measures

 CITY HALL BEAT 

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- All but 13 of the city’s 128 barangays have undergone public consultations on the updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), which charts the city’s physical and economic development for the next 10 years and the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), which serves as the implementing instrument of the CLUP.
    The public consultations that transpired in 116 barangays began in July last year and are being conducted by the City Planning, Sustainability and Development Office under CPSDO coordinator architect Donna Tabangin.
    The consultation process is crucial to generate inputs on the barangay’s challenges, potentials and future development needs from the residents themselves.
    During consultations, the CPDSO made sure that the attendees were informed of the issues affecting their barangays to help them decide on the developmental goals and directions.
    To prepare them for the consultation, the participants were introduced to the concept of carrying capacity and the data gathered through the digital twin program for their barangays and were presented with facts on the current state of their barangays and how they can become livable communities.
    The inputs from the public consultations will be considered in drafting the updated CLUP.
    Tabangin said currently underway is the development of the seismic zoning of the barangays based on the 2021 research of the Dept. of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology (DOST-PhilVolcs) together with the University of the Cordilleras, St. Louis University, University of Baguio and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Baguio Chapter which will be an integral part of the CLUP.
    The updated CLUP will have to pass through the City Development Council, City Council and Dept. of Human Settlement and Urban Development for approval.
    ***
Baguio City’s aim to become a resilient city by 2026 is anchored on the need to prepare for the inevitable and grim effects of climate change, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.
    “Climate experts say that by 2028, there will be a drastic change in our environment as a result of climate change and our city has to be prepared beforehand to be able to withstand its environmental, economic and social impacts,” the mayor told department heads during the Management Committee meeting on Sept. 26, 2023.
    He said attaining the goal in line with the international “Making Cities Resilient (MCR) 2030” program  will be the city’s focus in the next three years to make the city not only resilient but also “safe, inclusive and sustainable” in face of the looming impact of global warming.
    MCR2030, a big flagship project of the United Nations, is said to be “a unique cross-stakeholder initiative for improving local resilience through advocacy, sharing knowledge and experiences, establishing mutually reinforcing city-to-city learning networks, injecting technical expertise, connecting multiple layers of government and building partnerships.”
    It provides support to make cities worldwide “safer, preventing risks, promoting innovation and investments and building resilience” through the delivery of a “three-stage roadmap to urban resilience, providing tools, access to knowledge and monitoring and reporting tools”
    A total of 1,603 cities worldwide have joined the program.  In the Philippines, only Makati City has so far achieved resiliency status.
Baguio City through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) applied for MCR2023 compliance in 2021 by making a commitment to strive “to become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2023 and commits to reducing disaster and climate risk and continue to improve sustainability by taking actions to enhance resilience.”
    CDRRMO Local DRRM Officer II Stephanie Trinidad said the city has passed the first of the three-stage roadmap namely awareness, planning and implementation.
    However, the mayor said there is still an acute need for awareness on the effects of climate change among the different sectors thus the need to revert to the first stage.
    Trinidad said the city has undergone preliminary assessment of its resiliency using the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities with the following thematic addenda: public health, inclusion of persons with disabilities, food system and resilience and cultural heritage.
The city gained a rating of 58. 2 percent which means a lot still need to be done to attain the resiliency goal.
 
 

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Trimming, not killing trees, exec says/ Mayor wants youth in decision-making

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas explained the department’s tree trimming program that covers trees in parks and roads.
    He said that contrary to the perception that the procedure was rash and will result to the “killing” of trees particularly at Burnham Park, the CEPMO’s tree ground reduction or trimming process is scientific and therefore safe and beneficial for both the trees and the residents. 
     “Let us understand that these trees are now over 50 years old and like humans, humihina na rin ang kanilang tuhod and tree ground reduction or trimming is one technique to reduce the weight they are carrying,” Diwas explained.
    He said ground reduction reduces the risk of the trees getting damaged or sustaining breakages during strong winds and rain during typhoons.
     “When the size of a tree’s canopy is reduced, the surface area exposed to strong wind is also reduced.  This allows the tree to withstand the inclement weather,” Diwas said.
    He said controlling the height of a tree also helps prevent the chances of it getting toppled at the height of typhoons and cause damage to life and property.  It also prevents accidents in parks and public places.
    The process also has aesthetic purpose as trimming improves the appearance of trees in the long run.
     “Like us humans who need to have our crowning glory trimmed regularly for good grooming, our trees also need proper and regular pruning to improve the tree’s structure and direct new healthy growth.
    ***
    The city government will open more doors to enable the city's youths to participate in decision-making processes on the city's strategic programs. 
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong directed the inclusion of youth representatives in the membership of the various city boards, committees and other bodies to give the sector the opportunity to take part in deliberations and give suggestions on the programs, projects and activities of the city. 
    Among the bodies being considered are the city school board, solid waste management and health boards and information and communication technology council. 
    "We have to give our youths all the opportunities to get involved in the decision-making on matters affecting our city," the mayor said. 
    He said the youth of today are more innovative and connected with information because of modern technology. 
"They have the power to bring fresh ideas to the table and to challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the greater good," he said 
    The mayor said the youths have to imbibe the development goals that the city is now pursuing including sustainability, innovation and resiliency. 
    "There is no better time than now to give them leadership responsibilities.  Our youths should no longer be regarded as future leaders because they can be capable leaders now," the mayor said. 
    "This is why every chance we get to include and involve them, to engage and interact with them and to support them, we do so without any hesitation," he added.
    The mayor said the youths need to build their knowledge and capabilities in government work both executive and legislative functions as well as conflict resolutions and other aspects of governance. 
    More importantly, good leadership values especially integrity and accountability need to be ingrained in them to really become good stewards of the nation.

CITY HALL BEAT
Aileen P. Refuerzo

Batang Pinoy tryouts on/ Mayor on youth’s role in BSK polls

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government through the City Sports Development Office is now conducting try-outs among athletes to select the city’s contingents to the forthcoming 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games which will be simultaneously conducted on Dec. 17-22 in Metro Manila.
    Sports Division Chief Gaudencio Gonzales said there will be 25 events for the two competitions  namely archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball (3x3), boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, esports, football, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, wushu and kickboxing.
    Around 500 athletes are expected to make up the city’s delegation to the two sporting competitions.
    Batang Pinoy is a national youth sports meet for athletes aged 17 years old and below while the PNG is a national multi-sport tournament for athletes 18 years old and above conducted to select the national pool of athletes to represent the country to international sports competitions.
    The Dept. of Interior and Local Government said the conduct of the two sports meets under the auspices of the Philippine Sports Commission is by virtue of Kautusang Tagapagpaganap Bilang 44-1998 at 163-1994.
A total of 149 cities and 82 provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are expected to join the two tournaments             
 ***
Mayor Benjamin Magalong engaged with the youth and stressed on the importance of their active participation in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, 2023.
 “Your vote matters. And collectively, your votes can bring about the change you seek. It is not just a privilege; it is a duty--- one that will determine the course of our local governance for years to come,” the mayor told the youth participants to the forum and workshop, “Gen Z Votes: Inspiring Change Through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections” last Sept. 4 at the Plaza Lodge Hotel.
    The two-day activity was organized by the Ateneo School of Government, through a non-partisan, pro-democracy coalition to increase awareness and encourage greater participation in the upcoming BSKE.
    The mayor said that to be able to select the best leaders, the Gen Z (referring to the generation of people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s as defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary) must do their homework:
    "Research the candidates and understand their platforms; attend debates and forums; ask questions; and engage in discussions before they vote for their respective leaders."
    The mayor also underscored the youth's increasing role in shaping today's society.
"As we look at the political landscape, it becomes increasingly evident that the torch of leadership is already in the hands of your generation.  The decisions made within our barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan have profound impact on our daily lives," he said.
    "By participating in these elections, you are not merely casting your ballots, you are becoming active agents of change.  You are the architects of the future you wish to see, the ones who will ensure that our neighborhoods are safe, that our environment is protected and that our voices are heard..;
    "Your generation is known for its innovation, its global perspective and its commitment to justice and equality.  You are more connected than any generation before you, with information at your fingertips.  You have the power to bring fresh ideas to the table and to challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the greater good.” – With a report from Mileyvonne Tiamzon

 
 
 

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