BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong reaffirmed his commitment to transparency within his administration despite encountering opposing views during a recent public consultation.
The consultation pertained to a proposed parking building slated for development on a city-owned lot adjacent to the Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School (MLQES) in Barangay Military Cut-off.
The session took place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the PFVR gymnasium, where the city government presented its plans for the parking structure.
The city’s vision encompasses constructing a multi-level parking facility spanning 260,000 square meters with an emphasis on environmentally conscious design.
Architect Ellaine Ganga of the City Buildings and Architecture Office outlined the project’s features, which include a futsal sports area on the rooftop catering to students, a living wall adorned with plants for carbon dioxide filtration, a water harvesting and recycling system, solar-powered facilities, and a smart parking system utilizing applications for pre-booking parking slots, thereby reducing traffic congestion.
Atty. Rhenan Diwas from the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) elaborated on the environmental benefits, highlighting the reduction of carbon emissions by minimizing the number of vehicles circling city roads in search of parking spaces.
“Imagine the amount of fuel combusted to the air with the number of vehicles going round and round city roads looking for parking whereas, if we have a parking lot they can park and turn off their engine,” Diwas explained.
Despite these advantages, the majority of participants voiced strong objections to the proposed project.
Former MLQES principal Ligaya Annawi, alongside concerned citizens, the school administration, and the parent-teacher association, opposed the city’s plan citing ecological and environmental concerns, as well as potential impacts on student welfare.
Annawi emphasized the importance of the open space as an evacuation area for surrounding educational institutions during emergencies.
The public consultation concluded with Mayor Magalong assuring attendees that all sentiments and public opinions would be carefully considered by the city government moving forward.
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