PUBLIC consultation on the SM Skyranch will still proceed not only as mandated by the local government code and environmental laws but also pushed by Baguio residents, said City Councilor Art Allad-iw.
Last year, educational institutions aired concerns over noise generated by the SM amusement park making learning difficult for students.
Raymound Rovillos, University of the Philippines Baguio chancellor, and Leonarda Aguinalde, University of the Cordilleras vice president for administration, admitted noise pollution from the SM City Skyranch amusement park and the ongoing construction of the mall’s new building is bothering students during class hours.
Councilor Mylen Yaranon said the set-up of the SM Skyranch goes against zoning laws which dictate no establishments in the nature of an amusement park must be built.
However, the Environment and Management Bureau said consent of the public through a consultation as well as city approval of the SM project was not needed to issue an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) under the department’s guidelines.
Last week, committee on laws, human rights and justice led by Councilor Faustino Olowan conducted an ocular inspection of the area and will report to the council its findings.
There is a pending resolution of the council urging SM City Baguio and Sky Ranch Amusement Park Baguio to conduct public consultations on the social acceptability of their amusement park and recreation facility project and also directs SM to seek an endorsement from the City Council in compliance with the provisions of the Local Government Code.
Allad–iw said the consultation will again be scheduled.