Igorot Stone Kingdom reopening conditional

CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- After five months of closure, the Igorot Stone Kingdom here at Longlong Road, Pinsao Proper was allowed to reopen subject to several conditions.
    According to the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, the special permit granted is good for three months and revocable if the company fails to comply with the terms given by the Local Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals.
    An affidavit of undertaking dated March 31, 2023, said Igorot Stone Kingdom Amusement Park and Cooked Food and Refreshments president and chief executive officer Pio Velasco promised to abide by the following conditions:
    Submit approval of City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) Certification on Structural Assessment;
Comply with Environmental Certificate of Compliance (ECC) conditions and recommendations;
    Submit detailed traffic mitigation plan duly approved by the City Engineering Office, Baguio City Police Office and Dept. of Public Works and Highways and which will include appropriate uniform and training of traffic marshals;
    Consult with the City Tourism Office for sustainability practices, crowd and parking management system to implement immediately;
    Provide necessary safety and accessibility to persons with disability;
    Provide disclaimer in the form of signage on site and all advertising materials that the stories and symbolisms on site are personal stories and not reflective  of a specific culture or tribe;
    Provide necessary protection and refrain from rerouting or blocking the natural creek and drainage within the site.
    Velasco also pledged to confine their operations to within the boundaries and will not extend to road right-of-way or adjacent areas or properties.
    The company's compliance with the terms will be monitored by the LZBAA, the Public Order and Safety Division and the barangay and failure to comply would be grounds for revoking the special permit.
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the decision to grant the provisional permit was subjected to much assessments, deliberations and public consultations including assurances on addressing traffic and garbage problems.
    The mayor said a city government team led by City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña assessed the integrity of the structures to ensure their safety.
    He said another factor was the dismissal by the City Prosecutor’s Office of the charges for violation of the provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) 1096 or the National Building Code filed by the city government against the owners for lack of merit.
    The mayor said the city will ensure that the company will deliver on all of its commitments while it is on provisionary operation.
    On Nov. 8, 2022, the mayor ordered the closure of the man-made tourist attraction due to permit and safety issues for operating without business and building permits.