Construction of Baguio hospital saddled with zoning, other issues

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The proposed construction of the United Baguio Doctor’s Hospital and Medical Center (UBDHMC) here, a Level 2 hospital at Barangay Upper Phil-Am was put on hold pending the city government’s action on the request of UBDHMC proponents to reclassify the area from R-1 (residential zone) to C-2 (commercial zone).
    Pursuant to the city’s zoning ordinance (Ordinance no. 63, series of 2021), the construction of commercial structures including hospitals is allowed only in commercial zones.
    The Baguio City Council invited city planning and development coordinator Donna Tabangin, representatives of the UBDHMC, and barangay officials to its regular session last Monday to discuss the matter in aid of legislation.
    Tabangin said in cases of reclassification of zones, a local zoning review committee needs to be institutionalized by the mayor.
    It will be the LZRC that will assess the UBDHMC’s request, Tabangin said. 
    One of the functions of the LZRC, as stated in ordinance 63-2021, is to recommend to the city council necessary legislative amendments and to the City Planning and Development Office changes in the city’s comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) as a result of the review.
    Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said requesting for zoning exemption might be more convenient and acceptable than requesting reclassification of the entire area.
    For years, the local zoning board on adjustment and appeals (LZBAA) had been granting zoning exemptions to individuals appealing for construction of commercial buildings in non-commercial zones.
    However, in February 2021, the city council imposed a moratorium prohibiting the LZBAA from granting zoning exemptions to stop unabated construction of commercial buildings in the city’s residential zones. 

The moratorium was lifted by the council last Monday because of the appeal of residents reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The lifting of the moratorium will allow the LZBAA to resume accepting applications for an exemption from the zoning ordinance.

Should the UBDHMC request for a zoning exemption instead of a zone reclassification, it will be the LZBAA that will assess the said request and not the LZRC. 

Tabangin said the reclassification of the area or the grant of a zoning exemption to pave the way for the construction of the proposed hospital will, either way, change the “urban fabric” of the said residential zone.

"This proposed project will have a major impact on the physical features of the area," she said.

The city planner cited effects of construction of the hospital on traffic flow, general welfare of the people and natural environment in the area that need to be taken into consideration. 

She suggested that the request of the UBDHMC be referred to the executive department to be further discussed in a technical manner to determine the pros and cons of the proposed project.

“We are in need of more hospitals and medical facilities in the city considering that there is an ongoing pandemic. However, we also need to consider other factors such as environmental protection, proper urban planning, social acceptability, and the like,” she said.

Councilor Michael Lawana said allowing the project to push through might set a precedent.

According to him, it will encourage other individuals to propose more developments in the area.

Architect Cathy Carunongan who was commissioned by the UBDHMC said the proposed Levl 2 hospital with 100-bed capacity will be equipped with surgical facilities, delivery suites and dialysis units.

It will also have an outpatient department and an emergency department.

Carunongan said the site is perfect for the proposed project as it is adjacent with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). 

“Not only will it benefit the community during this pandemic, but it will also change the landscape of the area. It will be a modern and iconic building in a more or less 2,000 square-meter lot,” Carunongan told the council. 

The architect said they will incorporate into the plan parking spaces for the facility.

Dr. Domingo Solimen, UBDHMC president, said they will undertake road expansion and  improvement for better access to the facility.

UBDHMC secured a permit to construct from the Dept. of Health.

It also received an affidavit of non-objection from Phil-Am and barangay resolution endorsing the proposed project. 

However, punong barangay Sarah Mina claimed there were irregularities in the issuance of the affidavit of non-objection and the barangay resolution.

She said she was not involved by other barangay officials in issuing the said documents and that she and three kagawads were excluded as signatories.

Contrary to the claim of UBDHMC, Mina and Kagawad Susan Dominguez said there was no proper public consultation held to get comments and approval of residents in the area.

Dominguez claimed some residents were against the proposed project.

Representatives of UBDHMC expressed willingness to consult (again) concerned residents to determine social acceptability of the project.