Merging of 128 Baguio barangays to 33 slated

BAGUIO CITY – Lessening of barangays of this summer capital is now being set even as the City Legal Office is reviewing cost-benefit analysis on merging 128 barangays down to 33, 34, 36 or 40.
    The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government told Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong to work on the unfinished barangay amalgamation or the local government will be in violation of the local government code.
     In response, the mayor directed creation of Task Force Amalgamation of Barangays led by the City Legal Officer Richard Dayag composed of Liga ng mga Barangay, City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, City Assessor’s Office, City Budget Office, DILG– Baguio, Commission on Elections –Baguio, City Mayor’s Office represented by its Special Services Division and representatives from the Sanggunian Panlungsod.
    Under barangay amalgamation, the city will reduce number of barangays from 128 to around 40 barangays by merging adjoining barangays for economy, efficient delivery of basic services and more viable and sustainable management of barangay operations.
    Barangay amalgamation is also seen as a tool to improve local governance and to professionalize salaries of barangay officials.
    After review of cost-benefit analysis, the task force will conduct consultations with stakeholders to consider several issues such as but not limited to population, land area, infrastructure or facilities and road networks.
     Dayag said pursuant to the Local Government Code, barangays in the city may be consolidated or its boundaries substantially altered by an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod

However, a plebiscite may be required prior to the passing of the ordinance. – JMPS