Baguio, Palace execs agree to solve Dominican Hill conflict

BAGUIO CITY – The city government here and Malacanang agreed to come out with a “win-win solution” that will not affect the status of the Dominican Hill property which was previously titled under the Presidential Management Staff.

In a recent meeting with PMS officials, Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan insisted the need for the city government to retain ownership of the 3.2-hectare property because it had already introduced significant improvements in the area in preparation for its becoming a religious and worship area.

Earlier, PMS wrote the previous city administration that it wants to take back the Dominican Hill property which it ceded in favor of the city in 2004 considering that the latter did not fulfill its commitment to fully develop the property to become one of the major tourist attractions in the city over the past five years.

However, Domogan argued the city government has already invested more than P20 million in the development of roads and fences to protect the property as well as other improvements in the old building of the Diplomat Hotel, thus, it is unfair for PMS to claim that it has not done anything to develop the property.

According to the local chief executive, the present administration is supportive of the original plan to put up a mining museum which is being spearheaded by a prestigious foundation in order to give importance to the contribution of mining in the development of the city.

Domogan claimed the city government is willing to intervene in whatever problems that will arise in the implementation of the noble project that will improve the status of the Dominical Hill property so that all noble concerns will be put in their proper places considering the importance of developing the property as a prime tourist destination.

PMS officials agreed with the proposal of the city government to continue developing the property so that it will be able to accommodate vital tourist destinations that will complement the area as prayer mountain and religious center.

The Dominican Hill property had a total land area of 5.2 hectares but only 3.2 hectares was ceded to the city government considering that the remaining 2 hectares will be left out for the Sandiganbayan property.

Domogan said the city government will continue to develop the property considering that there are also investors who are interested in introducing improvements in the place, thus, the same must be contained in a master plan that will embody desired improvements in the place.

Aside from being a prayer mountain, appropriate amenities will be put up in the area for the benefit of the thousands of individuals visiting the place for various purposes. -- Dexter A. See