Stakeholders of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School have voiced their opposition to the proposed construction of a multi-level parking area at a location that currently serves as an open field used by the school.
During the regular session of the Baguio City Council on March 18, 2024, Supervisor of Public School District 1 Nickson Elaje revealed that the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) had presented to their office the plan to build a multi-level parking area at the Quezon football field and said that this area is one of the 13 identified sites in the city for the construction of parking facilities.
Elaje said that while their office does not oppose development initiatives in general, it firmly stands by its position that the area designated as the Quezon football field should remain dedicated to education purposes.
Meanwhile, Becky Ambion Cruz, Punong Barangay of Military Cut-off emphasized that the area had also been designated as an evacuation site under their Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.
In a phone interview, CBAO confirmed that there is indeed a proposal by the city government to construct a multi-level parking area at the said location. However, the office said there is no concrete program of work prepared yet as consultations with the school and other stakeholders are still ongoing.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said there is a need for consensus and proper consultation among stakeholders, including the city government, Department of Education (DepEd), CBAO, Parent Teacher Association, and barangay officials. He said discussions should occur before bringing the matter to the city council for formal deliberation.
“Discussing this prematurely would be unfair since it is only a proposal. It is important to wait for a final proposal and obtain consent from DepEd, especially considering that this area is part of Quezon Elementary School,” Olowan stated.
The city council deferred the discussion on the matter until there is a clearer plan, consensus among all stakeholders, and proper consultation with concerned offices and officials. **Jordan G. Habbiling
