THE planned Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority (BLISTTDA) is set to roll out in Congress after a bill has been filed by Baguio City Representative Marquez Go.
“The creation of BLISSTDA will be a road map to bring back the glory days of the areas and to achieve a sustainable social and economic growth for the interest and benefit of the community,” Go said.
Dealing on environmental issues, the proposed bill will also tackle solution on tourism, traffic congestion, water supply and waste management.
“Influx of tourists including vehicles and businesses increase the revenue of the Summer Capital and at the same time poses congestion and environmental issues. It is just necessary to decongest Baguio and distribute development to nearby municipalities,” Go said.
With waste management concerns of the City and its adjoining municipalities, the proposed ordinance will likewise formulate and implement policies and projects beneficial to BLISTT.
Go added nearby municipalities have equal economic and tourism potential like La Trinidad with its strawberry farm and flower farms, Itogon with its hot springs, Sablan with its waterfalls, Tuba with caves and waterfalls; and Tublay with its hot springs and caves are must see spots for tourists.
To bring tourists in their destinations, construction of alternative roads are also proposed in BLISTTDA.
These municipalities also have vast areas which can be used for housing, water cradles or even an industrial area.
Once approved, a BLISTT Council will be formulated consisting of top officials of Benguet including the mayor of Baguio and the adjoining municipalities.
The council will set policies and oversee its implementation in joint development planning, land use, housing, traffic management, solid waste disposal, flood control management, water resource systems, health and sanitation programs and public order and safety.
Moreover, the proposed bill has a provision which states funding of BLISTTDA will come from 5% of the total annual gross revenue of the five municipalities and one city.