Mayor Benjamin Magalong has invited National Artist for film Kidlat Tahimik to be a member of the Baguio City Advisory Council tasked to assist and make sure that the city government properly implements its 15-point collective core agenda for a better Baguio.
The 16-person advisory council, whose members represent various sectors of the local community, is chaired by Dr. Virgilio Bautista.
Magalong made the invitation to Tahimik during the Council for Baguio Creative City (CBCC) interactive engagement with local artists, craftsmen, and creative workers last week.
He co-chairs the CBCC with Laida Lim representing the weavers sector while University of the Philippines Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos is vice-chairperson representing the academe. The CBCC was created to spearhead the implementation of programs on crafts and folk arts pursuant to the Baguio’s commitment as a Unesco Creative City.
Magalong admitted that he forgot to include a representative from the creative sector as a member of the advisory council.
He stressed that Tahimik, as one of the CBCC’s panel of advisers and a Baguio boy, will be the best representative of the creative sector in the advisory council that was formed late last year.
Magalong said a formal written invitation for the internationally-acclaimed artist to join the advisory council will immediately follow.
The advisory council along with a risk reduction committee is one of the first bodies formed by the current city administration to help in the implementation of good, transparent, and accountable governance.
The council is composed of distinguished individuals of the city as a prelude to the city’s transformation program pursuant to the already proven Performance Governance System.
It is tasked to provide expert and objective advice to the city leaders on major programs, projects, and activities that have impact on the general welfare of the public.
In line with the principle of transparency, Magalong pointed out the council shall recommend individuals who will compose the private sector representative in big ticket projects or projects of local significance.
The city government’s 15-point collective core agenda for a better Baguio are speeding up government action; revitalizing the environment; innovating peace and order; aggressive traffic management; responsive education program; empowering the youth; expanding health and social services; and responsible tourism;
Enlivened culture; arts, crafts, and heritage; market modernization; efficient disaster management; empowered and accountable barangay governance; strengthened livelihood and entrepreneurial services; unemployment reduction; and resolution of issues involving ancestral lands and claims.
The city government is also focusing on the protection and preservation of heritage and historical sites in Baguio, which inventory already started. – Gaby Keith
April 26, 2024
