The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines with the cooperation of the city government of Baguio and the Department of Education held on Monday the “Scout Officials For-A-Day” program as among the highlights of activities in observance of National Scouting Month this October.
Sofad is a long-established activity that allows qualified boy and girl scouts from different public and private schools, who underwent leadership and personality development training and a basic understanding of public service, the distinct opportunity to serve the public by occupying key positions for a day in various local and national offices.
This year’s composition of the Sofad city council is Scout vice mayor Blezz Lozano and scout councilors Raymund Gabriel Lerio, Princess Peralta, Anna Nicole Bautista, Yana Daplian, Kean Angelo Tictic, Jhoanna Mae Poquiz, Raven Sobremonte, Danielle Abarientos, Justin Cheryll Alcantara, Zoei Zyrille Vesagas, Fritzie Nicole Mallari, Axl Alaizter Siblag, Sophia Alessia Mari Valencia, Ziara Juliana Therese Gamboa, and Ashanti June Pongod.
Their meeting from 2 to 5 p.m., assisted by scout secretary to the sanggunian Marvienn Dempit, led to fruitful deliberation and action of 32 items listed in the agenda of business.
Proposed ordinances and resolutions submitted by the Sofad include mandating concerned city government offices for the installation of safety barriers along all sidewalks; construction of waiting sheds with lights at every jeepney terminal; establishment of a digital transportation and passenger system; and the continued retrofitting of bike lanes in the city;
Conduct of feasibility studies for the institutionalization of the “Adopt-a-waiting shed” project; establishment of an underground electricity network; integration of e-micro mobility or e-scooters and e-bicycles as alternative mode of transportation through public-private partnership;
Requesting the city government, other concerned national government agencies, and non-government organizations to implement environmental activities in all barangays in the city; come up with a scheme to address heavy traffic, especially from September to December, summer vacation, and the Panagbenga Festival; and to provide special education assistance to teenage parents for them to finish their studies, or provide them avenues for short-term programs and skills training on livelihood under Ordinance 11, s. 2023.
Requesting the City Engineering Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways to install accessibility devices on roads for persons with disabilities; the Department of Education to mandate public schools in the city to designate and implement a monthly “sports day” and a monthly general health consultation and assessment to learners and school personnel;
Requesting/tasking jeepney associations to adjust/extend their last trips from 8 to 10 p.m. for the safety and convenience of commuters, especially students; and the barangays to establish and maintain community vegetable gardens; and
Requesting private establishments in the city to provide amenity kits for customers; and observe strict implementation of Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law.
The Sofad council also acted on the proposed resolutions calling for the full implementation of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act; the Mental Health Initiatives Program in building resilient communities, the alleviation of homelessness through a collective progress program; the “Keep right policy” in all walkways, roads, streets, buildings, or structures in the city; the adoption as the city’s priority the immediate repair and maintenance of standard walkways with slip-resistant materials; and the barangays to conduct monthly general cleaning especially around the premises of schools located within their areas.
For the welfare of the Baguio City National High School students and other youth, the Baguio City Police Office and school administrators were requested to verify and undertake immediate action on alleged serving and catering of vaping and smoking activities at certain establishment/s around the said school; and to intensify the campaign against vandalism within the premises of BCNHS and all schools in the city;
The Baguio City Schools Division to undertake the regular replacement, repair, and maintenance of furniture and fixtures but not limited to electric fans, busted bulbs, dilapidated windows, and broken window glasses of all public schools and classrooms in the city.
The other resolutions are requests for the city government to conduct a city-wide talent search for Baguio’s most talented teenagers, 13 to 19 years old, every September as part of the Baguio Day celebration; all public and private high schools to provide clean and well-maintained student restrooms, and to designate a space or area for arts and creativity; and to express support to local farmers in the city by coming up with a development plan for farmers.
The Sofad proposals were forwarded to the city council for consideration and possible adoption into resolutions or ordinances.
May 3, 2024
