Illegal structures, squatters in Busol forest despite SC order

Public-private sectors urged to protect water source 

By Abegail Clemente

BAGUIO CITY --  Despite a Supreme Court order, illegal structures and settlers within the Busol forest reservation here have yet to be removed.

This was known during a media forum Thursday wherein the Baguio Regreening Movement urged stronger public and private partnership to preserve the watershed which supplies most of the city’s water needs.

BRM chairperson ErdolfoBalajadia bared fencing of the watershed is ongoing to stop more illegal squatters from getting in. 

“I urge the people to cooperate with us; we are trying to protect the environment. Because in the first place parasaatin ‘to - ikaw, ako, at sainyo,” 

Balajadia also called on the City Council to push for the enactment of the Environment Code for the city.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources assistant regional director Augusto Lagon, said P11 million was available for  ongoing fencing of the  watershed.

This  is part of the P16 M DENR Sec. Ramon Paje committed for protection of the watershed when he visited Baguio last year.

The remaining P5M will be allotted for re-greening projects for Busol, he said.

Baguio Water District general manager Salvador Royeca reported more than 20 organizations donated for the fencing project,  to complete the P32M needed funds to fence the Baguio side.

Royeca said 12 fence spans were constructed from the P3M donated by BWD and P1M from the Benguet Electric Coop.

Other BRM partners that joined the forum were the Baguio City Police Office headed by City Director PSSupt. George Daskeo, City Legal Officer Atty.MelchorRabanes, NBI chief investigation Darcy  Binay-an, City Building and Architecture Office Representative   Engr. Orlando Genove,  and Private Sector Volunteer Rogelio Gose.