December 1, 2023

Through Resolution 451, s. 2023, the city council has urged the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to apply the “principle of non-impairment of vested rights” to issue zoning certification or clearance for valid and legal purposes to residents of Balacbac, Sto. Tomas Proper barangay and other similarly situated areas in Baguio City who have been occupying their lands classified as residential prior to the enactment of Ordinance 63, s. 2016 or “The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the City of Baguio,” as long as the land being applied for is alienable and disposable as identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The action aims to solve problems encountered by affected residents, such as the classification of Sto. Tomas Proper under Ordinance 63, s. 2016 as vacant forested area, which is disqualified for titling application under the 2013-2023 Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Baguio, which was approved under Resolution 306, s. 2016.
The CPDO was also asked to include in its next annual budget funding for regular collaborative engagement with other concerned agencies to come up with harmonized guidelines and policies for applicants of various land concerns in the city for fastidious and quality public service.
The body in Resolution 454, s. 2023 has authorized City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health-Cordillera for the use of the P968,000 mobilization fund of the Chikiting Ligtas or the measles-rubella oral polio vaccine supplemental immunization as incentives for city health workers for their services rendered from May 1 to 31, subject city council confirmation.
Through Ordinance 66, s. 2023, the city council has granted P1 million financial assistance to the different local government units of the province of Oriental Mindoro declared as under state of calamity due to oil spill from a sunken ship last Feb. 28.
Taken from the city’s disaster risk reduction and management quick response fund, the financial assistance of P100,000 each would be distributed to the municipalities of Bansud, Roxas, Bongabong, Calapan City; and P120,000 each to the municipalities of Naujan, Bulalacao, Pola, Pinamalayan, and Mansalay.
Such tradition of support and thoughtfulness to other LGUs is in reciprocation of what other LGUs had extended to the city when it was hit by the 1990 earthquake and other calamities.
In Ordinance 67, s. 2023, the city council granted the charging of P2.2M against the continuing appropriations of the Baguio City Fire Station for the purchase of an additional vehicle of the station to support its needed and essential services.
The fire station has six vehicles procured from 2010 to 2021 and distributed to three fire sub-stations and main station. These are currently used in the conduct of fire prevention and safety seminars, fire drills, first-aid activities, rescue trainings; and other trainings for business establishments, schools, hospitals and barangays around the city.
In Resolution 453, s. 2023, the body approved Resolution 014, s. 2023 of Abanao-Zandueta-Kayang-Chugum-Otek barangay requesting to use a portion of Kayang Street from July 15 to 31 to establish four livelihood stalls to promote good nutrition and healthy environment in line with the celebration of the Nutrition Month.
As conditions, the duration of the livelihood activity shall be 14 days only, and the stalls shall not obstruct, impede, nor interfere with the normal flow of traffic and pedestrians.
In addition, the barangay shall strictly maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the area during the event and shall be responsible with the clearing or removal of trash or garbage after the event.
Further, the barangay shall secure all the necessary permits, provide security of the activity premises and traffic management, and ensure that products to be sold are in line with nutrition.
Through Resolution 436, s. 2023, the city council commended the members and coach of the Jaguars Judo Team of the University of the Cordilleras for winning two golds, four silvers, and three bronze medals in the Hajime Judo Tournament held last June 10 and 11 at the Blue Eagle Gym, Ateneo De Manila University.
Winners under 60-kg. junior was Lereenz Tindaan – gold, while winners under the all-white category were Ralph Pineda – gold, 100-kg.; Manny Utang – silver, 73-kg.; Dana Sadcopen – silver, 44-kg.; Aleah Ananayo – silver, 63-kg.; Ehud Adanglao – silver, 83-kg.; Kenneth Mayngo – bronze, 90-kg.; Kevin Katter – bronze, 90-kg.; Kiefer Bangtowan – bronze, 73-kg.; and their coach Alhido-Sacpa Corazon.
Commended through Resolution 458, s. 2023 is the Sakusak Ensemble of the Pinsao National High School for winning the best folkloric performance showcasing the Panagbenga Flower Festival in the Aliwan Fiesta street dance competition held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City.
The Sakusak Ensemble, as among winners in the nation’s grandest fiesta and celebration of beauty and culture, is indeed a family and showcase of exceptional talents and performances that brought great honor and pride to Baguio City.