Trimming, not killing trees, exec says/ Mayor wants youth in decision-making

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- City Environment and Parks Management Officer Rhenan Diwas explained the department’s tree trimming program that covers trees in parks and roads.
    He said that contrary to the perception that the procedure was rash and will result to the “killing” of trees particularly at Burnham Park, the CEPMO’s tree ground reduction or trimming process is scientific and therefore safe and beneficial for both the trees and the residents. 
     “Let us understand that these trees are now over 50 years old and like humans, humihina na rin ang kanilang tuhod and tree ground reduction or trimming is one technique to reduce the weight they are carrying,” Diwas explained.
    He said ground reduction reduces the risk of the trees getting damaged or sustaining breakages during strong winds and rain during typhoons.
     “When the size of a tree’s canopy is reduced, the surface area exposed to strong wind is also reduced.  This allows the tree to withstand the inclement weather,” Diwas said.
    He said controlling the height of a tree also helps prevent the chances of it getting toppled at the height of typhoons and cause damage to life and property.  It also prevents accidents in parks and public places.
    The process also has aesthetic purpose as trimming improves the appearance of trees in the long run.
     “Like us humans who need to have our crowning glory trimmed regularly for good grooming, our trees also need proper and regular pruning to improve the tree’s structure and direct new healthy growth.
    ***
    The city government will open more doors to enable the city's youths to participate in decision-making processes on the city's strategic programs. 
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong directed the inclusion of youth representatives in the membership of the various city boards, committees and other bodies to give the sector the opportunity to take part in deliberations and give suggestions on the programs, projects and activities of the city. 
    Among the bodies being considered are the city school board, solid waste management and health boards and information and communication technology council. 
    "We have to give our youths all the opportunities to get involved in the decision-making on matters affecting our city," the mayor said. 
    He said the youth of today are more innovative and connected with information because of modern technology. 
"They have the power to bring fresh ideas to the table and to challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the greater good," he said 
    The mayor said the youths have to imbibe the development goals that the city is now pursuing including sustainability, innovation and resiliency. 
    "There is no better time than now to give them leadership responsibilities.  Our youths should no longer be regarded as future leaders because they can be capable leaders now," the mayor said. 
    "This is why every chance we get to include and involve them, to engage and interact with them and to support them, we do so without any hesitation," he added.
    The mayor said the youths need to build their knowledge and capabilities in government work both executive and legislative functions as well as conflict resolutions and other aspects of governance. 
    More importantly, good leadership values especially integrity and accountability need to be ingrained in them to really become good stewards of the nation.

CITY HALL BEAT
Aileen P. Refuerzo

Batang Pinoy tryouts on/ Mayor on youth’s role in BSK polls

BAGUIO CITY -- The city government through the City Sports Development Office is now conducting try-outs among athletes to select the city’s contingents to the forthcoming 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games which will be simultaneously conducted on Dec. 17-22 in Metro Manila.
    Sports Division Chief Gaudencio Gonzales said there will be 25 events for the two competitions  namely archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball (3x3), boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, esports, football, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, beach volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, wushu and kickboxing.
    Around 500 athletes are expected to make up the city’s delegation to the two sporting competitions.
    Batang Pinoy is a national youth sports meet for athletes aged 17 years old and below while the PNG is a national multi-sport tournament for athletes 18 years old and above conducted to select the national pool of athletes to represent the country to international sports competitions.
    The Dept. of Interior and Local Government said the conduct of the two sports meets under the auspices of the Philippine Sports Commission is by virtue of Kautusang Tagapagpaganap Bilang 44-1998 at 163-1994.
A total of 149 cities and 82 provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are expected to join the two tournaments             
 ***
Mayor Benjamin Magalong engaged with the youth and stressed on the importance of their active participation in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, 2023.
 “Your vote matters. And collectively, your votes can bring about the change you seek. It is not just a privilege; it is a duty--- one that will determine the course of our local governance for years to come,” the mayor told the youth participants to the forum and workshop, “Gen Z Votes: Inspiring Change Through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections” last Sept. 4 at the Plaza Lodge Hotel.
    The two-day activity was organized by the Ateneo School of Government, through a non-partisan, pro-democracy coalition to increase awareness and encourage greater participation in the upcoming BSKE.
    The mayor said that to be able to select the best leaders, the Gen Z (referring to the generation of people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s as defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary) must do their homework:
    "Research the candidates and understand their platforms; attend debates and forums; ask questions; and engage in discussions before they vote for their respective leaders."
    The mayor also underscored the youth's increasing role in shaping today's society.
"As we look at the political landscape, it becomes increasingly evident that the torch of leadership is already in the hands of your generation.  The decisions made within our barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan have profound impact on our daily lives," he said.
    "By participating in these elections, you are not merely casting your ballots, you are becoming active agents of change.  You are the architects of the future you wish to see, the ones who will ensure that our neighborhoods are safe, that our environment is protected and that our voices are heard..;
    "Your generation is known for its innovation, its global perspective and its commitment to justice and equality.  You are more connected than any generation before you, with information at your fingertips.  You have the power to bring fresh ideas to the table and to challenge the status quo when it no longer serves the greater good.” – With a report from Mileyvonne Tiamzon