BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan has highlighted the important contribution of its partners in environmental protection during the State of the City Address (SOCA) in this mountain resort.
Domogan said, “under the water program, the city has covered 4 major river systems in the city thanks to its partners who, from 16 groups five years ago have grown to 30 groups.”
“The help that they provide is invaluable and we appreciate them,” he said.
The mayor noted man-made debris and construction activities along waterways continue to be a problem.
“We have to revisit our basic practices on segregation and the 3rs in solidwaste management, otherwise, we can never achieve our goals of revitalizing our rivers,’ he said.
The mayor also scored the assistance by foreign consultants on the study of the expansion of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) which is near completion.
Domogan said,” when completed, it will provide the city with development options and technologies that will greatly ease project development and budget allocation.”
Partners in the city’s re-forestation program were also acknowledged citing their intensified post planting care and nurturing activities until the trees can survive on its own.
Meantime, Domogan stressed the importance of the development plans for the identified site within Sto. Tomas area for the city’s planned Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS) that should be implemented.
Domogan said,”the city has spent P100 million for hauling out garbage in 2014.”
This year, the city allocated P85 million for garbage expenses and as of June this year, P38 million have been spent.
The mayor said this is a lot of money that should have gone to other priorities.
Domogan said,’ the city has earmarked P130 million for the development of the ISWMS that can help facilitate the resolution of the garbage problem.”
“The forgoing plan is without prejudice to other alternative ways of managing and disposing our garbage which can be more advantageous to the city,” he said./Paul Rillorta
