Baguio City: “The Janitor” Out “The General” In

June 30, 2019 Headlines

BAGUIO CITY (June 29, 2019) – In yet Baguio’s signature “smooth” transition of power, outgoing mayor Mayor Mauricio Domogan, touted as “City Janitor” passed on the Summer capital’s leadership to Retired Major General Benjamin Magalong Friday afternoon.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cordillera Director Marlou Iringan gladly remarked,” it is nice to see how (Domogan) and (Magalong) were seated side by side showing how smooth the transition is.”
This is an assurance, he said, that incoming mayor has something big to start with when assumes on July 1.
Iringan also praised Domogan for his presence during the turn-over ceremony at the Baguio City Hall lobby. This does not only display that the outgoing mayor is really a statesman but (he) “knows that is the right thing to do.”
Domogan, who was dubbed the “Janitor” because of his programs and policies ensuring a clean and honest governance, expressed his gratefulness to his colleagues and co-employees for the years of public services they were together.
He said that history will judge him as even having imperfections, he struggle not to commit negligence in the performance of his duties. He served the city for three decades.
He is leaving public service, he said, “but he will always be around to help.”
He also appealed to the people especially those he worked with, to cooperate with Magalong.
Magalong, known for heading the probe on the Mamasapano debacle where 44 elite SAF “heroes” were massacred said, ‘it is a great challenge to surpass the legacy that Domogan is leaving behind’.
He admitted it is hard to do such but promised “not to fail the outgoing mayor and the Baguio people and continue the governance driven with transparency and honesty.
Meanwhile, Baguio residents are expecting changes with the new city mayor’s fresh ideas and being a military man who can handle the peace and order which eventually leads in more changes and development in the city.
The mayor’s challenges are the solution on the monstrous traffic brought about by the influx of motorists from neighboring towns of Benguet and the tourists coming in and out from the city.
The worst parking system of the utility vehicles in central business districts occupying the small streets which these utilities have no staging points .
Second is the garbage disposal of the city, many are aware that “basura” is one of the biggest problem in the city. This could be solved with the continuing education among the residents, students, business owners and the tourists.
Cleaning up the city is every body’s concern. Third is a centralized parking system that could accommodate all the utility vehicles. Councilor Edgar Avila submitted an ordinance identifying four areas in the city as could be the central terminal for all vehicles, especially those public utilities.
Fourth, is the depleting water sources in the city that according to former Baguio Water District Board Director Willy Hernandez that five to 10 years from now water may come us one of the city’s problem.
Hernandez said that the city needs around 50,000 to 60,000 cubic liters to sustain the needs of all households and the mushrooming condominiums and business establishment in the city.

Ace Alegre/Thom Picaña/ABN