A PROPOSAL to integrate the development of Baguio City, a popular tourist destination, and its neighboring towns under Benguet province has received support from House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano. “With greater connectivity, there can be greater opportunities of inclusive and equitable development. This can also ease traffic in the City of Pines,” the House Speaker said in a press statement on Sunday. Baguio Rep. Mark O. Go has submitted House Bill 1337, which seeks to create the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay Development Authority (BLISTTDA) to centralize and oversee development efforts in the area. Mr. Cayetano also cited the need to explore the construction of a railway connecting Baguio City to La Trinidad as well as the expansion of Baguio City’s Loakan Airport to accommodate more flights. “Sana naman matuloy din ‘yung train na gagawin from here (I hope the train will push through) to La Trinidad, not only for tourists na gustong makita ‘yung (who want to visit the) strawberry field… but it will also provide cheaper housing sa mga nagtatrabaho sa (for those working in) Baguio… We hope that the Department of Transportation can look into the rehabilitation of the Loakan Airport in the city because it will ease the traffic and facilitate mobility of goods and people,” Mr. Cayetano said. He also suggested that congressional representatives from the northern Luzon area hold a consultative conference to better discuss the details of the different proposals for Benguet and adjacent provinces. — Genshen L. Espedido

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