STRESSING the need to undertake more aggressive measures in the city's urban greening program, Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan called on barangay officials towards this direction recently.
Underlining the importance of environmental conscious governance, Domogan challenged barangay leaders during the Forest and Watershed Management Seminar to adapt measures in protecting remaining watershed reservations and open spaces in their respective barangays.
"Barangay leaders should now take the lead towards preserving what remains of open spaces in barangays and convert the same into green areas," Domogan said.
"Do not allow people to apply for free patents on this small areas in your barangays, instead take the lead in planting trees and ornamental plants that way, you help curb pollution," he added.
The seminar aims to strengthen the barangays role in the revival of greenery in the 128 barangays of the city especially those centered in the central business district and the protection of the remaining watershed reservations.
The present greening campaign is in response to the global call for cities around the globe to adapt mitigating measures towards the effects of climate change where the mayor attended in Nantes, France.
"Our city is still lucky because we are not directly affected by extreme heat and floods due to our elevation compared to other areas but we should not wait for a calamity before we act, we should also think of our neighbors especially those in the lowlands," Domogan stressed.
According to experts, the global temperature is increasing yearly which may bring about stronger typhoons and the rise in ocean water that would affect low lying communities.
The seminar also tackled national laws on forest and watershed management and protection and related city environmental ordinances which the barangays can implement to protect their jurisdictions.
The call of the mayor is an integral part of the barangay's move towards modernization and plays a crucial role in harmonizing development of population, resources and environment.
Domogan admitted the city's holding capacity has already reached its limit and is looking towards the BLISST concept as areas for shared development and progress.
"We really have to work with the other mayors and concentrate on key areas of cooperation to make this possible," he said. (Paul Rillorta)