Metro BLISTT bill gets Senate approval

June 6, 2022 Metro BLISTT

The Senate of the Philippines approved on its third and final reading a bill that seeks to create the Metropolitan Baguio
City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA).
The upper chamber passed House Bill No. 9215, authored by Baguio City Representative Mark Go, which seeks to create
MBLISTTDA, a government authority that will be responsible for planning and implementing basic services in Baguio and its nearby towns without encroaching on the autonomy of its respective local government units.
Rep. Go welcomed the immediate passage of his bill in the Senate and said that the establishment of BLISTTDA will foster sustainable development by spreading growth to Baguio’s neighboring municipalities and promoting efficient delivery of basic services.
“The city of Baguio and its nearby municipalities have so much to offer for the growth of a business, agriculture, and tourism. With the passage of time, however, the problems of the environment, tourism, traffic, water supply, waste
management and the provision of basic services have become more evident”, Rep. Go said.
Once passed into law, MBLISTTDA will be tasked to centralize and oversee development efforts and initiatives that address the challenges within the area.
Aside from planning the usage of infrastructure, transport and traffic management, MBLISTTDA shall perform large-scale development responsibilities.
These include planning and preparation of medium and long-term development plans, urban renewal, land use planning, housing and shelter, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, water resource system, health, sanitation, and pollution control, and public safety and order.
According to Rep. Go, the passage of MBLISTTDA will take Baguio City and the towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay to a new level of growth that would achieve sustainable social and economic growth for the interest and benefit of the people.
“Through MBLISTTDA, the principle of synergy would be emphasized when towns in a contiguous area could achieve more by planning and implementing together. This is the convergence of the cities and municipalities for a common purpose, complimentary support with each other, cooperation by sharing its resources and active collaboration”, the Baguio solon stated.
The Bicameral Conference Committee report of the bill will be ratified by both chamber and to be transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature.