CHRISTMAS. It's the time of year when like no other, when we reconnect much with family, friends, communities.
These past few columns have been given to what we might call reconnecting to the Baguio we want, hearkening to a community determined to bringing truth in the manner with which the city deals with “development” and the attendant problems it has brought and continues to bring.
This week, time and space is given to Joseph Claridades, whose voice remains undaunted, as our own voices must, in the face of corporate shenanigans alongside government wrongdoings. Here's Joseph.
“With Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and the rush to prepare for parties and gift giving. But the horrendous traffic usually associated with this time of year serves as a sore reminder that all is not well in the City of Pines.
“Last December 17, the Senate conducted a hearing on Senate Bill 1692, this is a proposed bill to implement the Baguio, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority aka BLISTTDA. This senate bill has its good and bad points, however, one crucial thing about this is that the legislative branch has acknowledged that Baguio has a major problem with over development.
“The over development of Baguio was brought by the LGU's bad management and poor vision. How can a good Corporate Manager (LGU) allow Baguio’s population to grow to 345,366 on a land area that’s only 5,751 hectares, that’s a population density of 6,005 people per square kilometer. While La Trinidad who has 7,004 hectares as its land area has a population density of only 1,844 people per square kilometer. This is the challenge every citizen of Baguio is faced with for many years to come.
“However all is not lost; Baguio still has a chance to overcome this incapacitating over development. This hope can only be achieved if we as individuals don’t give up on Baguio. We have to overcome that feeling that “ganyan na ang Baguio, wala na tayong magagawa pa.” We Filipinos are known for our resilience and beautiful smile and this equates to HOPE.
How can I even say this? The proof that we Baguio residents were able to recover from the 1990 earthquake is enough proof that we are solid and strong.
“This so called OVER DEVELOPMENT, let’s just pretend that Baguio was once again hit by a disaster, but this time a disaster caused by bad management (governance) and poor vision. It’s not too late. We can recover, we can do it again but this time we will do it RIGHT.
“Wishing you all a blessed holiday season.”
May our Christmas season be one of Hope, Love, and Joy.