BAGUIO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod last week at City Hall conducted public consultations for different concerns– development, institutional and governance, infrastructure, environment and natural resources– for legislation, from this year until 2019.
Last Thursday, Councilors Peter Fianza, Elaine Sembrano, Lilia Farinas and Ma.Victoria Mylen Yaranon looked into proposed environmental legislations by Councilors Joel Alangsab, Edgar Avila, Arthur Allad-iw, Benny Bomogao, and Leandro Yangot,Jr.
Vice-mayor Edison Bilog’s proposed legislative measure with that of lady councilors Sembrano and Yaranon were also scrutinized by barangay officials, utility groups, non-government organizations, line agency officials and concerned private individuals present.
Councilor Yaranon focused on proposals for the improvement of water quality, care for existing trees, zero-waste, waste management facility, and a review of plans. Yaranon also proposed for the formulation of a “framework to develop a comprehensive green city action plan to achieve the vision for a green Baguio” by Dec. 2017.
Councilor Yangot, Jr. proposed the re-greening of at least 10% of the city by urban gardening, mini-parks or eco-parks, while Bomogao proposed for a review of the clean air ordinance, including the checking of sources of motor vehicle pollution, and an “air wealth ordinance” for the city.
Councilor Allad-iw wants the introduction of legislation for studies to mitigate the impact of climate change, identification of available areas for forest cover, and protection of public parks, markets, streets, hospital and the like for Baguioites.
Amendments of the ordinance on garbage fee collection was proposed by Councilor Peter Fianza.
The ancestral land claims and the promotion of green buildings in the residential and central business districts is being pushed by Councilor Avila,
Active participation in the Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC) with the adjoining Benguet towns is needed, thus a call for immediate action by Councilor Alangsab. The three-meter easement along creeks and waterways, and sidewalks was also discussed.
A revisit of the solid waste management plan, zoning ordinance, land use plan was proposed by Vice-mayor Bilog. A clean-up, including of graffiti on public and private properties should be implemented as to the Anti-Grafitti Code, it was noted.
Councilor Sembrano’s proposals include a review of sidewalks and road areas which may be used as green landscape landmarks, as well as measures to reduce air pollution at the Central Business District (CBD). Water, air and land pollution should be minimized through the creation of an Executive-Legislative Task Force to implement the newly-enacted Environment Code of 2016, and monitor the same, she said.
The need for tree-planting, care and monitoring of survival rates was also pointed out. Proposals needing immediate action are slated until Dec. 2016, others for 2017 and for the next two years. **juliegfianza
