BAGUIO Representative Mark Go assured development for neighbors of the Summer Capital.
Go said that under the Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority (BLISTTDA), all areas will benefit and that development will be holistic.
Go said that as far as he is concerned, there was no opposition to the measure but there were amendments to improve it.
Last week, the Senate committee on government corporations and public enterprises headed by Senator Dick Gordon held a public hearing to tackle House Bill No. 6974 and Senate Bill No. 1692, which seek to create BLISTTDA.
Go said the creative economies of the areas will be highlighted as well and said two universities, the University of the Cordilleras and the University of the Philippines, have bared intentions to expand to the BLISTT areas in the future.
The solon said the Senate pass the bill on 2nd reading, after all the inputs from the public hearing are incorporated in the measure.
“This will bring a bigger level of growth and development, more sustainable economically and holistic, it is bringing (all) together,” said Go.
Go said he is anticipating the passage of the bill by the first week of February adding previous meetings with BLISTT mayors yielded positive support and said it was only Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan who raised concerns.
“This is not just for Baguio, it will be spread out in terms of tourism, facilities and opportunities, not like the present situation,” added Go.
Domogan, who heads the BLISTT Development Council, said major amendments to the Go bill include the creation of a governing council which includes representatives from each area who will elect among themselves a chairman, rejecting the original idea that the head of the body will be appointed by the President.
Domogan, in a previous statement, said there are a lot of provisions on the bill that the different mayors, local government of BLISTT, do not agree with.
Go still believes the move will spur development in Baguio and neighboring towns. BLISTTDA will exercise management, regulatory and supervisory authority and will provide services such as development planning, urban renewal, land use planning, housing and shelter formulation, transport and traffic management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, water resource system, health and sanitation, pollution control and public safety and order.