TRAFFIC WOES: BALANCE ENVIRONMENT AND COMFORT – MAYOR MAGALONG

March 22, 2025 Headlines

Brgys. asked to look for open areas for parking space

BAGUIO CITY

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city has to balance environment and comfort as he stood firm his ‘political will’’ in finding alternative solutions to address the traffic and transport issues aside from solid waste which have been plaguing the Summer Capital for years. ‘Traffic really is a problem, but let’s us not forget air quality.. the air we breath. We must balance environment and comfort,’ said Magalong, adding ‘kaya mahirap talaga ang maging mayor.’

As of 2024, Baguio has nearly 58,000 registered vehicles, not including those belonging to visitors. This significant increase has put
immense pressure on the city’s traffic infrastructure, which was originally designed to accommodate only 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles.
Currently, Baguio Air Quality Index (AQI) Air Pollution is moderate at 2.5 Particulate Matter (PM), Magalong reported. With over 2.2 million visitors arriving annually—54 percent of whom bring their own vehicles—the need for effective parking solutions has become critical.

“Improving the City of Baguio will attract more people,” Magalong stated, underscoring the necessity for proactive measures to cope with rising vehicle numbers. It is about supply and demand. He compared back in 2014, Baguio was No. 3 nationwide in terms of air pollution behind National Capital Region (NCR) as No. 1 followed by Cebu being No. 2. Magalong led other key city gov’t department heads and
representatives of regional line agencies in the afternoon open forum -second part of the Baguio Traffic and Transport Summit held on Thursday (March 20) at the refurbished Baguio Convention Center here.

However, it was observed only a handful stayed during the question and answer portion compared to the morning session which has
more attendees from a cross-section of the city. Magalong said urban planning is an integral part of city’s growth and development,
admitting that his current actions led him to have many enemies. ‘It’s a political risk, but we have to do it,’ said Magalong , who is seeking for his last term as city mayor.

PARKING BUILDING
The mayor have encouraged barangay officials to look for open spaces for the said concern even as his administration is actively in
‘negotiations’ with individuals as well as companies for parking buildings. The local executive emphasized the importance of community involvement in finding solutions Barangays are autonomous, they can address some of these issues. He suggested that the barangay could enter into Public Private Partnership (PPP) program of the government.

By doing so, barangay officials must adhere to road right of way (ROW) and not in conflict with city zoning ordinance. Some 7,500 slots are available once ‘talks’ are finished. Also, the mayor also highlighted a potential multi-level parking solution beneath an elevated football field, aiming to maximize space efficiency. “This could serve as an international standard football field while providing essential parking below,” he explained. Parking space for public utility vehicles (PUVs) are included in the ongoing talks. City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio de la Pena said the city has allocated P400 million for a parking area in Camp Allen.

To date, so far only one PPP located at the old city auditorium (Burnham) amounting to P1.6 billon. In a phone in question, city mayor was asked to limit the entry of visitors coming up to the city. “I wish I could to that,’ Magalong replied , ‘but freedom of abode is guaranteed
under our Constitution.’ Magalong in his opening remarks emphasized ‘ we are not here to sell the Smart Urban Mobility Project …we are here to find alternative solution(s) …traffic management is a concern.’ Lawyer Vic Nunez of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stressed that mass public transport is vital- its effective, efficient and comfortable. Nunez added that MMDA is set to deliver traffic lights after its integration study with the city is finished.

LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROUTE PLAN
Engr. Elmer Mendoza of the Department of Transportation -CAR admired the city’s effort for the its Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPRRP) had been finalized and operationalized. Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Chief, P/Col Ruel Tagel together P/Maj James Dugao ,
BCPO Traffic head vowed to improve traffic management tasked even as they are asked to conduct traffic education in schools. Dugao mentioned plans to utilize school parking lots during weekends when they are not in use. “We encourage our schools to allow public access
to their parking spaces for a fee,” he noted, suggesting a pilot test at Baguio City National High School.

Recalling, in March (2024), Representative Mark Go, considered the top opponent of Magalong for the mayoralty seat, urged gov’t agencies and tourism stakeholders to strike a balance between tourism development and international recognition in sustaining the quality of life. Go spoke during the conclusion of the Cordillera Regional Tourism Investment Forum. Baguio as a prime destination for visitors both local and foreign, and the fact that it is the education of the north. City’s carrying capacity is at ‘critical level ‘ based on city
planning office 2023 study.

Primo Agatep with reports from Joshua Ebalane/UB-Intern/ABN