URBAN development comes with unabated vehicular traffic, including the rise of commercial establishments in little spaces, which is now the problem of Baguio City.
But the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) considers the hiring of an urban planning expert as a solution to the problem.
During the City Council session Monday, Engineer Evelyn Cayat, head of the City Planning and Development Office, said the city faces development issues due to lack of master development plans particularly on land use, water governance, solid waste and traffic management, among others.
During the budget deliberation, Councilor Fred Bagbagen raised concern on the “seemingly lack of expertise among City Government personnel for proper development planning and implementation of projects,” saying that hiring of experts or consultants is badly needed.
Councilor Isabelo Cosalan said an expert on city land use planning is needed to avoid delays in updating the City Land Use Plan and thereby causing more developmental issues.
Cayat, on the other hand, acknowledged that indeed experts are needed adding the hiring of an urban planner should be within the spending capacity of the city.
Among those identified as immediate needs are traffic engineers, computer technology experts and water engineers.
The CPDO is tasked to prepare plans and programs for the city’s zoning and land development to solve worsening impacts of urbanization.
Cayat said her department uses the geographical information system or GIS for the preparation of comprehensive development plan, annual investment plan, hazard mapping and the preparation of the local shelter plan.
She acknowledged it is a major challenge for her to make further improvements in planning with the use of a more advanced technology. (Jessa Mardy Polonio)