Baguio highlights battle vs urbanization’s adverse effects as city celebrates 110th anniversary
THE MOUNTAIN city of Baguio, long tagged as the country’s summer capital, has in recent years been plagued by the adverse effects of urbanization such as overpopulation, road congestion, and environmental degradation. As the city celebrated its 110th founding anniversary on Sept. 1, focus was given on balanced growth with the theme Nurturing the Environment for Sustainable Development. “Amidst the grueling challenges that our city continues to confront, we should remain focused on dealing with the serious negative effects of urbanization for us to preserve and protect the state of our environment,” Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said in his Baguio Day message. “This will translate to a better quality of life for our people and the coming generations,” said the first-term mayor who has set out a 15-point reform agenda for a “better Baguio.” In a press conference last week, he said, “We continue to institute reforms in all areas and aspects for the city of Baguio. It requires both short term and strategic solutions. Just bear with us, please be patient with us. Rest assured that we have all the passion to institute these reforms.”
