The Bases Conversion Development Authority has allotted 10,187 square meters inside the Camp John Hay reservation for the transfer of several offices at the City Hall compound.
City Information Officer Aileen Refuerzo said they are waiting for a geotechnical investigation report on a portion of the property to assure the safety and stability of the soil in the area.
The report forms part of the document finalizing the agreement between the BCDA and the city government.
The 10,187-square meter property in the Camp John Hay reservation managed by the John Hay Management Corporation will host the Baguio Central Fire Station (BCFS) and Multipurpose Building, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Building, and the Baguio Justice Hall.
The BCFS, EMS, and the Justice Hall are currently occupying an area at the City Hall compound, which the city government hopes to reclaim for the expansion of its services.
Last year, the city government started doing an inventory of the land it is using and/or titled to the local government to maximize its uses, as plans for the construction of an annex building of the city hall was discussed.
Several offices under the local government are located in various parts of the city, making it difficult for clients to hop from one office to the other when processing a document.
This will also decongest the main building, which is over a century old with areas at the current Justice Hall to be used as city offices.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier assured city officials that he will try to discuss with the BCDA the possibility of the agency apportioning an area for city offices. It was learned the BCDA is allowing the city government to use the area on usufructuary agreement.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau recommended an in-depth study of the property’s stability considering a report that the area moved during a typhoon some years back.
The Office of Civil Defense Cordillera said it has also been allotted an area within the reservation for its office. – PNA
May 1, 2024
