Baguio council flags bypass road over watershed, bidding concerns

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has raised serious environmental and procedural concerns over a proposed bypass road linking Quirino Hill and Pinget, calling for a full environmental impact assessment before the project proceeds.

In a resolution, the Sangguniang Panlungsod directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), citing the project’s location within a critical watershed and gaps in required approvals.

The P23.96-million road project, funded under the 2025 DPWH budget with a two-year validity, aims to provide an alternate route between barangays in Baguio City and nearby La Trinidad.

Originally proposed in the 1980s, the plan has resurfaced amid growing concerns over environmental protection and compliance with national regulations.

Environmental risks and route options

Council members flagged the project’s alignment within the Buyog Watershed, a protected area declared under a 1992 presidential proclamation.

Officials warned that the remaining watershed area—estimated at about 7.2 hectares—could shrink further if land reclassification proposals are approved.

Two proposed routes were presented: a shorter, straight alignment approved by DENR in 2015, and a longer, curved route following existing pathways.

The straight route would require cutting an estimated 21 to 24 trees, including pine and fruit-bearing species, and would pass through steeper terrain, increasing construction complexity and cost.

The alternative curved route would affect fewer trees and require less funding, according to project proponents.

Councilors expressed concern that tree-cutting and construction activities could impact the city’s already fragile water supply system.

Bidding process questioned

The council also scrutinized the project’s procurement process after it was revealed that bidding had proceeded before securing key endorsements and clearances.

Jaben General Contracting and Engineering Services emerged as the winning bidder in 2025, despite missing documentation required under DENR administrative rules.

These include a formal application, proof of fees, certification of no overlap with ancestral domains, land status verification, and a City Council endorsement.

Council members said the sequence appeared to violate standard procedures, where local approvals should precede bidding.

DENR representatives acknowledged that most requirements were ready, except for the council’s endorsement, which remains pending.

Calls for consultation, alternatives

Several councilors emphasized the need for public consultation and social acceptability, noting that residents were not adequately informed about the project’s impact on a protected watershed.

Proposals raised during deliberations included exploring alternative routes or engineering solutions such as elevated structures to minimize environmental damage.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan suggested canceling the current contract and re-bidding the project to allow for adjustments and possible additional funding.

The council also called for broader stakeholder participation, including the Baguio Water District and environmental groups, in future discussions.

Community support, safety needs

Despite the concerns, local officials and youth leaders voiced support for the project, citing safety and accessibility benefits.

An estimated 200 to 300 students pass through the area daily, often under hazardous conditions during heavy rains. Barangay officials said the road would improve emergency response times, particularly for fire incidents, and ease traffic congestion.

DPWH representatives said the project would avoid full demolition of residential structures, although minor impacts are expected.

Plans for relocating a daycare center are also under consideration.

Next steps

The City Council’s resolution stops short of approving or rejecting the project but requires full compliance with environmental laws and submission of an EIA before any endorsement is granted.

The measure has been forwarded to relevant agencies and barangays for further action.