Gov’t must lead in revitalizing the environment

March 24, 2019 Community Billboard

Retired Philippine National Police Director Benjamin Magalong said that government must lead in revitalizing the environment as part of its purpose to intensify environmental protection, preservation, conservation, and replenishment of dwindling resources.

In a statement over the weekend, Magalong said, “our goal is simple: We must ensure that our constituents have clean air, safe potable water, and access to reasonably priced food sources.”

Magalong added that long-term solutions assuredly providing the most appropriate solid and liquid waste management at the least possible expense shall have to be crafted and executed.

“Do count on me to exercise the same leadership standards in helping create a better Baguio upon constant consultation with the community, civil society, the private sector — you and the
rest of us,” Magalong said.

Magalong also said that serving Baguio emanates from an honest recognition of its critical problems and the need to revitalize the environment that many of Baguio’s people are so concerned about.

“Caring for our environment begins by prioritizing future needs, where peace and prosperity are shared and purely inclusive, with no
one left behind,” Magalong added.

He further said that the time is ripe to address our present and future needs from an Gov’t must lead in revitalizing the environment agenda of good governance — strong leadership, competency, ethics and integrity, transparency, and accountability anchored on the core values of humility, fairness and purity of intentions.

“I offer a listening leadership with great and healthy respect for everyone. Rest assured your voices will be heard,” he continued.

“What better way is there to enjoy the cool mountain air here in Baguio than by brisk walking? Not only will it improve our breathing, but it will also be good for our general health.

Tourists can just take commuter buses to Baguio and leave their cars at home, and while here, they can walk around the city to enjoy its tourist attractions,” he said.

“While here, if they don’t want to walk, they can also take a jeep or a taxicab to get them anywhere in town, and by doing this, they won’t add to the congestion of vehicles along our roads,” Magalong added.

He explained that by limiting the number of vehicles along our roads, the amount of smog will also be reduced to a tolerable level.

“We also need to push for aggressive traffic management. We have to devise a more effective traffic management system through a consistent application of the 4-Es: Enforcement; Engineering; Education; and Enactment of appropriate legislation. Road discipline among motorists and pedestrians must be inculcated.

Sidewalks will have to be redesigned and strictly used for people. Traffic signalization facilities should be well-maintained. Walking must be promoted,” Magalong stressed. He also said that going green is now the trend in other big cities around the world where more parks are being established.

“By following their examples, we should establish more green spaces in Baguio to accommodate our park goers and tourists.” Magalong continued. “Only by limiting our carbon footprint can we be able to retain the Baguio we know to our children’s children to enjoy in the future.

It may not be the same pine-scented air that we once remembered from year’s past, but at least it will give them a chance to enjoy Baguio also when their turn comes to enjoy it,” he added.

“Admittedly, these core ideas are initiating principles that may well serve to generate more ideas for greater consensus with you. No man or woman has exclusive monopoly of the good things to state by way of solemn covenant.

Agenda preparation is always a work in progress. As earlier professed, mine is a leadership that listens with an open mind.

It will be that way in our journey together. As we work, as we endeavor, as we roll up our sleeves to make Baguio desirably better. This we can achieve this by working together. And by winning together,” he added.

Ferdinand Balanag/ABN