JODI ALABANZA, ARCHITECT OF BLIST, DIES AT 94

June 19, 2023 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The architect of the BaguioLa Trinidad-ItogonSablan-Tuba concept is dead, one of his kids from the United States announced on Facebook last Tuesday. “It is with deep sadness to announce that our father, Joseph “Jody” Alabanza, passed away but peacefully today, June 12,” Mary Anne Alabanza Akers posted on her Facebook page. He was 94. Alabanza served as city architect in the 70s before becoming the regional director of the National Economic Development Authority.

After the July 16, 1990 killer earthquake, Alabanza proposed the metropolitan concept of BLIST for Baguio to be able to grow, but with help from its neighboring towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba. Alabanza then said that Baguio lacks the resources, which the municipalities could
provide including water thus the Bulk Water Supply Project. During the Ramos administration, Alabanza became a special advisor on Cordillera.

Alabanza later proposed the creation of the Baguio Centennial Commission to prepare for the centennial celebration on Sept. 1, 2009. He became its chairman citing lack of time as he often travels to the United States to visit his children. The position was taken over by Virgilio Bautista.
Alabanza’s remains were brought to the Philippines and now at the Funeraria Paz where viewing started Friday.

This weekend, it will be brought to the city hall, then the Baguio Convention Center
on Monday, where he will be honored including his Apache brothers. Funeral rites will be done
at St. Joseph church on Tuesday and his remains to be interred at the Baguio cemetery.

Pigeon Lobien/ABN