A TRANSITION to become a green city is in the works.
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has created a technical working group (TWG) to prepare the master plan to be able to declare the city as an eco-green city.
“We have to identify priorities of the city for international companies to invest,” Domogan said.
In an administrative order signed with stakeholders Wednesday, February 13, Domogan said one of the major thrusts of the local government is the implementation of short, medium and long term green programs that will help in achieving the identity of Baguio City as an eco-green city in the global village.
“Several multinational companies involved in the development of green energy projects want to extend technical and financial assistance to interested local governments which are willing to be declared eco-green local governments,” Domogan said.
Part of the local government’s strategy to entice potential investors to consider Baguio City as one of their possible expansion areas for their successful green energy projects in the other sides of the global village is the declaration of the city as an “Eco Green City.”
The declaration will eventually open opportunities for the influx of numerous green energy projects suitable for the prevailing situation of the locality.
The chief executive created the TWG tasked to prepare the necessary green energy master plan and assess, evaluate whatever green energy proposals that will be submitted to the government and recommend the most feasible green energy project that shall be implemented by the concerned government agencies and local government after appropriate consultations with stakeholders.
From the local government, the TWG is composed of; City Engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo as chairperson with members, City Planning and Development Coordinator Evelyn Cayat, City Building Official, Engineer Nazita Banez, City Environment and Parks Management Officer, Ruben Cervantes, City Budget Officer, Leticia Clemente and representatives from the Environmental Management Board.
Domogan also appointed stakeholders from the private sector as part of the TWG led by Glad to Be Green (G2BG) CEO Gladys Vergara De Vera and consultant Evangeline Ariaga, in simple ceremonies during his weekly press conference at City hall.
G2BG has signified its willingness to help the city in achieving the green eco status, acting as conduit for international companies to invest in the city and was with Arman Balonkita, consultant for World Bank and USAid, who was also present in the signing.
Vergara De Vera said G2BG is an internationally recognized green company in the country and has ongoing projects in the country, all aimed to achieve the goal to help areas become environmentally sustainable.
In the past, G2BG saw to the installation of 14 solar panel lights at the Cathedral compound, donated by the Guam Consortium Inc. in alliance with the group.
Under the Glad to be Green Project, barangays, households and small businesses can be linked under a solar farm cooperative which the local government can set up.
Domogan then through the project, solar energy could be used for the heating system of the Athletic Bowl swimming pool.