The city council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance aimed at conserving all the city’s historical markers.
According to Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, author of the proposal, it shall be the declared policy of the City Government of Baguio to educate the public about the significance of these historical markers.
Historical markers, as defined in the ordinance, are signs installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) that “signify important and historical events, persons, structures and institutions.”
Under the ordinance, a historical markers working team shall be created and will consist of the chairperson of the city council’s committee on education, culture, creativity, and historical research and representatives from the City Budget Office, City General Services Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Tourism Office, NHCP, and Schools Division Office with the city administrator as the presiding officer.
The working team shall focus on the protection and promotion of all the historical markers in the city and help in introducing these significant markers to the Baguio populace.
It shall also coordinate with the NHCP and other concerned offices and agencies for the implementation of programs geared towards protection, conservation, maintenance, and restoration of all the historical markers.
Cayabas stated Baguio City has a rich history as it was once an Ibaloy village known as Kafagway then as the United States’ hill station, and is now known as the country’s Summer Capital, home of the first and premier military school in Asia (Philippine Military Academy), and education center of the North. It is also now a popular highly-urbanized city, he added.
“Among the legacies of Baguio City are its historical sites and markers that represent the city’s rich milestones. Progressive conversation is therefore highly needed,” Cayabas wrote in his proposal.
The councilor said, to date, there are 16 historical markers found in the city which have been installed by the NHCP. These markers are installed in the Baden Powell at Upper Session Road, PMA, Baguio Teacher’s Camp, former site of PMA in Teacher’s Camp, Camp John Hay, Camp Henry T. Allen, Easter College, Dominical Hill and Retreat House, Casa Vallejo, United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Baguio, Baguio City Hall, United States Embassy Residence-Baguio, Baguio Country Club, Brent School, Kampo ng mga Guro-Teacher’s Camp, and Mansion House.
The proposed ordinance has been referred to the city council’s committee on education, culture, creativity, and historical research for review. – Jordan G. Habbiling
April 27, 2024
