The Cordillera Studies Center of the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), through its Biodiversity and Resource Management Program (BRMP), organized a webinar titled “Baguio City: Harmonizing People and the Environment” held 23 July 2020. The live streamed discussion is a response to the growing reactions among Baguio citizens towards the declining state of the city’s environment as indicated by the recent cutting of trees in Barangay Outlook to give way to a construction project. This webinar aimed to draw ideas and recommendations from stakeholders for harmonizing actions towards a sustainable city of Baguio.
UP Baguio experts in geology and biology presented results of their respective studies which served as anchors for the participants’ discussion of environmental challenges in the city. The Dean of the UPB College of Science, Dr. Dymphna Javier, revisited Baguio environmental hazards drawn from her work on landslide mapping and disaster mitigation. Dr. Zenaida Baoanan, who heads the CHED-funded Popularizing Access to Biodiversity Information Data and Conservation Opportunities (PABIDACO) project, presented effects of thinning urban green spaces and some results from her team’s study on environmental valuation.
After the research presentations, the panel of invited reactors composed of representatives from the Local Government of Baguio, other government agencies, environmental groups, academic institutions and concerned citizens, shared data, insights and suggestions for protecting and restoring the environmental well-being of the city.
Among the points raised during the discussion is the existence of what seems to be a disconnect or imbalance in enforcement of environmental protection laws between private citizens and corporate entities. The necessity of education of stakeholders especially barangay officials on environmental protection and the importance of multisectoral collaboration in sustainable resource management were likewise pointed out. Other important aspects were noted including the need for participation of stakeholders in LGU initiatives such as in the formulation of an Urban Forest Management Plan of Baguio through a proposed creation of a Forest Advisory Committee, as well as the need to revisit the tourism thrust of the city to strike a balance between economic needs and environmental protection. The discussion also had an emphasis on the importance of nurturing native trees and native species.
Ways forward identified at the end of the webinar included plans toward the creation of a group that would sustain discussions. It was also recommended that work be done toward raising environmental concerns as a contribution to the Urban Forest Management Plan spearheaded by the City Environment and Parks Management Office. **Release from UP Baguio Cordillera Studies Center through the Office of Public Affairs
