BAGUIO ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
- Published on Sunday, 19 February 2012 19:25
- Category: Barangay Affairs
By Nerissa Bayan
Apart from the garbage problem of the city which prompter nearby provinces to file a Petition for the Writ of Kalikasan against the City of Baguio, and which eventually led to the issuance of a temporary environmental restraining order (TEPO) with regards the use of Irisan Dumpsite, there are other concerns involving environmental concerns in the City of Baguio. The present issue of the earth balling of trees at SM Baguio to pave way for additional structures for SM that caught city-wide opposition, incidences of squatting at the watersheds and water reservation areas of the city, and the polluted state of the Balili River and other rivers in the city.
There are, however, initiatives undertaken so as to address these concerns. One of the initiatives undertaken with regards the present state of the Balili River is the formation of the Balili River Revitalization Coalition. The coalition is composed of representatives from the local government of La Trinidad and Baguio, the DENR-CAR, representatives from private institutions, the media, the academe, and other associations. Hon. Joel Alangsab, Liga President is likewise a member of the coalition. The objective of the coalition is for the clean-up of the Balili River and revitalizing it to a cleaner state as it is now.
During the February 10 Alay sa Kalinisan meeting of the punong barangays with the City Mayor, the DENR-CAR and other members of the coalition made a presentation on the present status of the Balili River, including a run-through of the features of the Water Quality Management Assesment, as well as enjoining the support and participation of the barangay officials in the revitalization and restoration project. Hon. Maurico Domogan however mentioned that the programs, projects and efforts must not only be geared towards the rehabilitation of Balili River but should include all other rivers within the City of Baguio such as the Ambalanga River, Bued River and Galiano River.
Faced with such environmental concerns, the city government has been doing what it can do somehow address these concerns. The CEPMO, in cooperation with the Liga Office has coordinated with the barangays to take action on these matters. One is the monthly clean-up drives within river banks as well as the bamboo planting and propagation. Recently, the Liga Office approved of a board resolution requesting the DENR-EMB (CAR) for the reclassification of the Balili River. Balili River is presently under class A which is a classification acquired from almost 2 decades ago. Such classification qualifies the Balili River as drinkable, which is obviously not its present condition. The Liga Board, headed by Hon. Alangsab expressed that this reclassification is needed so as to enable the proper agencies to properly address the situation; it shall likewise serve as an eye opener to the constituents and all other agencies to act so as to still save the Balili River.
A climate change adaptation and mitigation seminar was also undertaken by the CEPMO for barangay officials, the private sector and stakeholders. This is more of an IEC to inform the public of the effects of climate change and what can be contributed by every individual.
These efforts are but a minor percentage of the proper solutions, and it must not stop there. It must be a continuous effort so as to truly achieve the objectives laid, as well as addressing these concerns. The solution does not entirely rely on the government, national, local, and the barangays, but with the participation, cooperation and support of all the constituents as well.
Apart from the garbage problem of the city which prompter nearby provinces to file a Petition for the Writ of Kalikasan against the City of Baguio, and which eventually led to the issuance of a temporary environmental restraining order (TEPO) with regards the use of Irisan Dumpsite, there are other concerns involving environmental concerns in the City of Baguio. The present issue of the earth balling of trees at SM Baguio to pave way for additional structures for SM that caught city-wide opposition, incidences of squatting at the watersheds and water reservation areas of the city, and the polluted state of the Balili River and other rivers in the city.
There are, however, initiatives undertaken so as to address these concerns. One of the initiatives undertaken with regards the present state of the Balili River is the formation of the Balili River Revitalization Coalition. The coalition is composed of representatives from the local government of La Trinidad and Baguio, the DENR-CAR, representatives from private institutions, the media, the academe, and other associations. Hon. Joel Alangsab, Liga President is likewise a member of the coalition. The objective of the coalition is for the clean-up of the Balili River and revitalizing it to a cleaner state as it is now.
During the February 10 Alay sa Kalinisan meeting of the punong barangays with the City Mayor, the DENR-CAR and other members of the coalition made a presentation on the present status of the Balili River, including a run-through of the features of the Water Quality Management Assesment, as well as enjoining the support and participation of the barangay officials in the revitalization and restoration project. Hon. Maurico Domogan however mentioned that the programs, projects and efforts must not only be geared towards the rehabilitation of Balili River but should include all other rivers within the City of Baguio such as the Ambalanga River, Bued River and Galiano River.
Faced with such environmental concerns, the city government has been doing what it can do somehow address these concerns. The CEPMO, in cooperation with the Liga Office has coordinated with the barangays to take action on these matters. One is the monthly clean-up drives within river banks as well as the bamboo planting and propagation. Recently, the Liga Office approved of a board resolution requesting the DENR-EMB (CAR) for the reclassification of the Balili River. Balili River is presently under class A which is a classification acquired from almost 2 decades ago. Such classification qualifies the Balili River as drinkable, which is obviously not its present condition. The Liga Board, headed by Hon. Alangsab expressed that this reclassification is needed so as to enable the proper agencies to properly address the situation; it shall likewise serve as an eye opener to the constituents and all other agencies to act so as to still save the Balili River.
A climate change adaptation and mitigation seminar was also undertaken by the CEPMO for barangay officials, the private sector and stakeholders. This is more of an IEC to inform the public of the effects of climate change and what can be contributed by every individual.
These efforts are but a minor percentage of the proper solutions, and it must not stop there. It must be a continuous effort so as to truly achieve the objectives laid, as well as addressing these concerns. The solution does not entirely rely on the government, national, local, and the barangays, but with the participation, cooperation and support of all the constituents as well.
