The city council on Monday has requested through Resolution 671, s. 2020 the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to extend the deadline for the implementation in Baguio of the Department of Transportation’s Department Order 2017-11 or “The Omnibus Franchising Guidelines.”
The council’s action supports the plea of the jeepney drivers and operators who are affected by the implementation of the DOTr order, which seeks to replace all old and dilapidated units with modern Euro-4 vehicles.
LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2018-006 gave operators and drivers of buses, taxis, UV Express and jeepneys until Dec. 31 to consolidate their fleets under the public utility vehicle modernization program, otherwise, their franchises will expire.
The concerned operators and drivers sought for assistance before the council for a win-win solution as they are not yet ready with the costly processes of the program aside from the fact that some of their members cannot afford the requirements set under LTFRB MC 2018-006.
The body also approved Resolution 692, s. 2020, which allows the temporary use of vacant stalls at the Baguio City Public Market while awaiting its modernization or any other redevelopment, which the city government will undertake.
The action intends to help members of organized and registered groups with the Department of Labor and Employment groups and have completed livelihood trainings and seminars conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Public Employment and Services Office, the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.
List of the qualified groups include the: 1. Baguio City Farmers Agriculture Cooperative for the “Sale of fresh produce” at No. 13 Tinapa Section; 2. Muslim and Christian Repair Umbrella Association for “Repair service” at No. 16, 2nd Floor Market Building, Magsaysay Ave.; 3. Sunflower Group for the “Sale of processed food” at A22-Block 4 Relocation; and 4. Everlasting Group for the “Sale of meat and other meat products” at No. 71 Meat Section.
The resolution requires the concerned committee or office to submit to the city council the criteria for the award of the temporary use of the vacant stalls; the awardees or occupants to pay stall rent, secure business permit, comply with the health and sanitation standards, and adhere to other market rules and policies; and awardees to execute an undertaking to voluntarily vacate the stall anytime the city requires or upon the commencement of the market modernization.
The resolution guarantees that the permit or grant shall not entitle the occupants the privilege of being or to be accorded stalls should the City Government of Baguio decides to start the redevelopment of the Baguio City Public Market.
The resolution provides that the other available vacant stalls shall be open for livelihood of the barangays together with the method and procedure of application.
The body, in Resolution 694, s. 2020 has supported the agreement between the Permits and Licensing Division under the City Mayor’s Office and the newspaper stand vendors and watch repair proprietors for six months extension, from January to June 2021, for the latter to stay at their current locations.
The resolution added the newspaper and watch repair stands, which are unique sights and identity of the city, have been considered part of the spirit that defines the soul of the Baguio as a whole.
Under the agreement, the six months extension gives the sidewalk occupants ample time to comply with the 0.6 meter setback from the sidewalks or to find a relocation place before fully implementing Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2020-145, which mandates local governments to clear the roads and sidewalks of obstructions.
After the deadline, those stands shall be treated as obstruction and shall be penalized, dismantled or removed in accordance with the provisions of the circular and/or ordinances.
In Resolution 687, s. 2020, all artists and residents of Baguio were encouraged to engage in the street art activities spearheaded by the Baguio Arts and Craft Collective, Inc. for community beautification, and mental health wellness.
The resolution stated that getting involved with the arts can have powerful and lasting effects on health. Researches suggest that help to protect against a range of mental health conditions, help manage mental ill health and support recovery, help to boost confidence and make people more engaged and resilient. Arts engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression, and stress.
The resolution also cited the constituents of the Municipality of Itogon that through their community beautification activity have turned street walls into murals and abandoned cars into art pieces which the Baguio City, being a creative city, can also adopt and emulate, with caution that natural elements such as stone walls, trees, and woods should be spared or left untouched in order to preserve their unique natural beauty.
Meanwhile, the body in separate resolutions has concurred with the appointments made by City Mayor Benjamin Magalong last Dec. 4 to two new department heads II of the City Government of Baguio.
Johnny A. Degay is now the head of the City Buildings and Architecture Office while Rhenan G. Diwas was appointed head of the City Environment and Parks Management Office.
April 19, 2024
