Domogan justifies support for Sky Ranch

BAGUIO. Despite a plea from the City Council urging the management of SM and Sky Ranch Amusement Park to conduct public consultation, Mayor Mauricio Domogan believes there is no legal basis for such saying the property is privately owned by SM and has development permits in order. (Photo by Jean Nicole Cortes)
BAGUIO. Despite a plea from the City Council urging the management of SM and Sky Ranch Amusement Park to conduct public consultation, Mayor Mauricio Domogan believes there is no legal basis for such saying the property is privately owned by SM and has development permits in order. (Photo by Jean Nicole Cortes)

BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan asks for understanding after supporting the SM amusement park project.

Domogan explained that he nixed a council resolution asking to conduct a public hearing for the SM City Baguio Sky Ranch project at Luneta Hill saying there is no legal basis for him to block it.

The mayor stressed that the property is privately owned by SM and the development permits are in order.

The mayor added that as much as he wants to agree with the local council on the SM issue, he could not find a legal basis for him to affix his signature on the resolution.

SM City Baguio and Sky Ranch Amusement Park Baguio were earlier asked to conduct public consultations on the social acceptability of their amusement park and recreation facility project.

SM was also directed to seek an endorsement from the City Council in compliance with the provisions of the Local Government Code.

The chief executive said the project is covered by an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as well as building, electrical and architectural permits.

However, councilors Peter Fianza and Arthur Allad-iw are still against the project.

Fianza said the resolution is manifestation of the sentiment of the August body.

“We will consider the action of the mayor and discuss again,” Fianza said.

Fianza added any development will need consultation with the public, although he pointed out that the amusement park project conforms to the original development plan which designated the project site as a garden or park.

“I stand by the resolution passed by the City Council. Sections 26 and 27 of the local government mandated that social acceptability and public consultation are necessary,” Allad-iw said.

Months ago, the mayor said the management of the SM City amusement park hinted the opening of operations at the privately-owned Luneta hill and assured it complies with zoning laws despite being near the university belt of the city. The mayor also assured the safety and quality of the amusement rides.

Councilor Michael Lawana, president of the Baguio City Association of Barangay Councils, is opposed to the project. He has summoned key people involved in the amusement park to determine if safety, zoning as well as traffic measures have been considered.

Those who appeared before the council were City Engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo, City Building Official Nazita Bañez, City Environment and Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana, City Planning and Development Officer Evelyn Cayat, Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Traffic Management branch head Chief Inspector Oliver Panabang, SM City Baguio mall manager Rona Vida Correa and SM City Baguio Sky Ranch project manager.

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