Magalong urges discipline, sustained action to tackle Baguio’s urban challenges

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Jan. 5 called on city officials and employees to begin the year with renewed discipline, integrity, and purpose, vowing to sustain policies and programs aimed at addressing Baguio’s mounting urban challenges.

In his New Year message delivered during the City Hall’s first flag-raising ceremony of the year, Magalong said progress would depend not on hope alone but on sustained action, accountability, and a deeper commitment to public service.

He urged government workers to reflect on the purpose of serving the people of Baguio amid persistent governance and development issues.

Magalong reiterated that since 2019, Baguio has been operating beyond its urban carrying capacity, a situation he said continues to strain the city’s environment, infrastructure, and public services.

Despite this, he said the city has pursued policy reforms aimed at arresting urban decay and promoting sustainability.

He cited gains in environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainability over the past seven years, noting that the city has earned both national and international recognition.

These efforts, he said, are anchored on the city’s seven-point agenda and long-term development framework, Baguio 2043: A Livable, Inclusive and Creative City.

Among the city’s pressing concerns is sanitation and waste management, worsened by population growth and increasing tourist arrivals.

To address this, Magalong said the city has strengthened waste segregation, improved collection systems, and increased barangay-level accountability.

He highlighted the city’s Circular Economy program, “Pansa-nopen Tayo,” supported by the European Union-Philippines Green Economy Program through the United Nations Development Programme.

The initiative has advanced waste circularity programs in barangays, green education, and sustainable tourism.

The city has also received vehicles for food waste and plastic collection and materials for Black Soldier Fly facilities, while construction of a centralized Materials Recovery Facility in Dontogan is underway.

On water security, Magalong said the city government and the Baguio Water District are collaborating with the United Kingdom government on a climate-resilient water management study to protect water sources, improve distribution, and prepare for climate risks.

Traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourism seasons, remains a major challenge.

Magalong said solutions would focus on improved traffic management, data-driven decision-making, and stronger inter-agency coordination.

He cited the launch of a Baguio City Police Office mobile app providing real-time traffic and parking information, along with plans for better public transport, safer walkways, modular parking structures, and mobility-oriented policies.

The mayor also announced the establishment of a pilot decentralized sewage treatment plant at the City Engineering Office grounds through partnerships with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and FujiClean Company.

The facility uses Johkasou technology to treat wastewater on-site and reduce pressure on existing sewer infrastructure.

Beyond local concerns, Magalong warned against complacency in addressing corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability at the national level.

Responding to claims that his campaign for good governance has lost relevance, he stressed that good governance is a continuing commitment reflected in transparent policies and responsible use of public funds.

“This is not for me. This is for Baguio, for this country, for our children, and for generations to come,” Magalong said, urging city officials to make the year one defined by courage, justice, efficiency, and honesty.