The Baguio City Council has approved on third reading an ordinance officially declaring the City of Baguio as a character city.
Ordinance No. 39, Series of 2023 was signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on April 24, 2023
The said ordinance shall strengthen the existing programs of the city government which are aimed at instilling positive values “in all aspects of human endeavor” in the barangays, government, non-government organizations, and schools.
Councilor Isabeloa Cosalan Jr., main author of the ordinance, said the city government continuously implements character formation activities and programs so as to achieve the city’s vision of “having a righteous government and a disciplined citizenry and to have a family-oriented, progressive, peaceful, clean, and green environment conducive for education, trade, and tourism managed by God-fearing leaders.”
He added that the city government’s character city program encourages the whole community to band together to establish a city of character.
“The character city program envisions a city in which elected officials, community leaders, and citizens recognize the importance of good character where everyone works together to ensure that families are strong, homes and streets are safe, education is effective, business is productive, neighbors care about one another, and citizens are free to make wise choices for their lives and families,” he stated.
Under the ordinance, the character city program shall include the creation of a manual on character building and development, its concept, and benefits which shall be the core in the enhancement of the character city program and shall be used in its implementation and institution to the different sectors of the community.
Copies of the manual shall be distributed to families, he barangays, transport sectors, schools and universities, businesses, cooperatives, civil society organizations, government offices, media, law enforcers, and various sectors in the city.
Moreover, the program shall further focus on character enhancement, giving emphasis on the development of five human values (Truth, Right Action, Peace, Non-Violence, and Love) and six pillars (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Responsibility, and Citizenship).
Printouts of posters with featured monthly character quality shall be posted in all offices in the city for the appropriate information and guidance of the public. Information dissemination may also be done through the use of the radio, television, digital communications, and publications at the different newsletters of the city and local newspapers.
To ensure the successful implementation of the ordinance, a Baguio City Character Council (BCC) shall be created.
The BCC shall be chaired by the city mayor and co-chaired by a representative of an accredited CSO from the Faith community. The city vice mayor shall be the vice chairperson while the members shall consist of city officials, officials in the academe, and representatives of the local business sector, and accredited civil society organizations.
All sectors shall be required to prepare an annual work plan which will serve as the basis for evaluation, monitoring, and appropriations. The BCC shall render an annual report of their activities including financial reports incurred. The report shall likewise be presented during the annual character week celebration. **Jordan G. Habbiling
