The city council has approved Ordinance 01, s. 2024 setting every first week of December of every year as “The Baguio Volkswagen Appreciation Week.”
Highlights of the appreciation week are scheduled on the sixth and seventh day, preferably Saturday and Sunday to allow wider attendance and participation of the community members and visitors.
The ordinance recalls that the Volkswagen Club of Baguio (VCB), a chapter of the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines, was established in 1998 to unite the Volkswagen owners and aficionados from the city and its neighboring areas, and guided by principles of camaraderie, passion for Volkswagen vehicles, and the promotion of wholesome family-oriented activities.
In December 2016, the Volkswagen Club of Baguio was entrusted by the VWCP to host the annual Philippine Volkswagen Show in Baguio dubbed the 1st Grand Volks Cañao attended by a multitude of participants and car enthusiasts coming from across the country, a landmark event as it was the first time that the Philippine Volkswagen Show was held outside Quezon City in its 31 years of existence and observance.
The ordinance stated the Volkswagen Club of Baguio, like the dependable and agile Beetle, has consistently exhibited dedication to the city by providing free services to the city during events and activities and celebrations such as the Montañosa Festival, Christmas in Baguio, Independence Day, and Baguio Charter Day.
“The Volkswagen brand which is renowned for its iconic ‘Beetle’ model holds the distinction of being the best-selling car of all time and enjoys global recognition in the motoring community, and the enduring popularity of the Volkswagen Beetle can be attributed to its straightforward, cost-effective maintenance, and instantly recognizable design, endearing it to generations of enthusiasts.”
“The practicality and hill-climbing prowess of the Beetle endeared it to the residents of the City of Baguio, making it a cherished part of the city’s motoring heritage.”
The ordinance added that the always dependable and selfless VCB deserves commendation for its many positive contributions to the motoring community and the City of Baguio.
Under the ordinance, designated location for the Baguio Volkswagen Appreciation Week activities is at Session Road, or an area at Burnham Park, provided there is prior coordination and approval from the Tourism and Special Events Division (TSED)-City Administrator’s Office.
Only wholesome and family-oriented activities are allowed, such as, but not limited to, car shows and displays, swap meets, motorcades, picnics, sale of Volkswagen-related merchandise, Volkswagen-related memorabilia, and Volkswagen-related souvenirs.
Volkswagen vehicles joining the car show, car display, and/or motorcade are exempted from the Number Coding Scheme, provided there is prior approval from the TSED-CAO and in coordination with the Baguio City Police Office.
A copy of the ordinance was submitted to the Office of City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for signing.
Upon recommendation of the committee on laws, the city council in separate resolutions has granted Magalong representing the city government to enter into memorandums of agreement/understanding on two proposed undertakings.
First is Resolution 004, s. 2024 which provides for a three-year contract for the procurement of janitorial services for the city government from Nov. 1, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2026.
The grant is based on the request letter dated Oct. 17, 2023 of City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan and noted by the mayor;
As conditions, the resolution provided that the janitorial services for the city government shall be subject to bidding and open for all qualified janitorial service providers; and that the MOA shall be submitted to the city council for confirmation.
Second is in Resolution 009, s. 2024 for the conduct of a four-month feasibility study on the waste-to-energy project at no cost to the city with the North Maharlika Energy Corporation, subject to compliance with pertinent laws on procurement.
The proponent’s president, Bertito Palma, said in his letter of intent dated Oct. 26, 2023 that their company is interested in implementing the 6.597-megawatt Baguio Waste-to-Energy Project in conjunction with the MOU signed between the Philippine National Oil Company Renewables Corporation and the City of Baguio through Resolution 238, s. 2019. This would help the city in processing and converting most of its waste into usable and renewable sources of energy.
The city council commended through Resolution 006, s. 2024 the Baguio Midland Courier for winning the 1st Bayanihan Media Awards for Best Volunteerism Reporting-print media category conferred during the awards program held at the Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila in December last year.
In the resolution, the Midland Courier reaped recognition for its various notable stories manifesting compassion, kindness, and concern featured in its over 20 articles, which sparked the inspiration of the readers and popularized the spirit of volunteerism as a way of life;
The paper played a pivotal role in bringing to light the volunteerism spirit in the hearts of the people that moved them to action. Its coverage and stories highlighted and celebrated the works and challenges faced by every individual, team, or group doing voluntary services.
The resolution also stressed that Midland Courier’s publication of quality articles on volunteerism capturing real people with real stories, and its contribution to national development in print media moved the Bayanihan Media Awards panel of judges to bestow such distinctive recognition.
In addition, the paper has long been an active advocate of volunteerism from the time of its founding by siblings Sinai and Oseo Hamada, and to this day continuously spreading the culture of caring for the community and radiating the spirit of selfless service across all sectors of society.
“This award is another feather on the cap of the Baguio Midland Courier affirming its lifelong community service affairs. It is also a testament to the touching stories of triumph over adversity, reaped through a commitment to bring people and communities together toward a common goal. Thus, it is with a deep sense of pride and honor that the City of Baguio extends its warm congratulations and commendation for garnering the award,” reads the resolution.
Republic Act 9418, or the Volunteer Act of 2007 mandates the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) to promote volunteer programs and services in the country to maximize the benefits that may be derived from volunteer assistance and adequately gauge the contributions of volunteers to national development and international cooperation.
Launched in August 2023, The Bayanihan Media Awards is intended to commend media practitioners and organizations for their exemplary contributions and dedication to promoting volunteerism and its importance to national development which encourages the public to make volunteerism a way of life. It is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the PNVSCA, the Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, and Mariano Marcos State University.
May 7, 2024
