BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan confirmed that the State-owned Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and its locators are interested in expanding their operations within a portion of the 139-hectare city-owned property in Sto. Tomas School Area barangay considering the reported feasibility of the place for industrial operations.
However, the local chief executive admitted the absence of major roads and interior linkages connecting the various portions of the city property is the major reason why the local government cannot immediately introduce the necessary development of the property pursuant to its master development plan.
He disclosed the local government already submitted the required plans and programs of work prepared by the City Engineering Office to the Department of Public works and Highways–Baguio City District Engineering office (DPWH-BCDEO) for the construction of the road network within the property to the tune of P200 million which could be included in the national government’s priority projects in the city next year.
He explained once the road network within the property is in place, it will be easier for the local government to plan out the maximum utilization of the area that is being eyed as a potential expansion site of the city’s already overcrowded public cemetery, the expansion site of the Baguio City Jail, the establishment of a socialized housing site for government workers, the put up of the city’s integrated solid waste disposal facility, the operation of a number of PEZA locators, among others.
For the informal settlers on portions of the de Guia property that was donated to the city which is mostly located within the jurisdiction of Tuba, Benguet, he claimed that he talked with Tuba mayor Ignacio Rivera for them to consult with the settlers in the area on a ‘win-win solution’ to allow the concerned local governments to implement the appropriate planning and zoning of the property.
He disclosed the overall survey of the property was already completed and that the plans for the road network is in place and what is being waited is the infusion of the funds for the completion of the road system so that it will be easier to convince potential investors to expand their operations in the area that can help boost economic activities outside the city.
He said the city is studying the proposal of informal settlers within the city-owned property on how will the city handle their presence so as not to impede the implementation of the projects that will contribute in decongesting the city’s cemetery and jail while addressing the problems of the local government in terms of socialized housing, among others.
Domogan called on the claimants in the area to present to the local government their valid documents showing proof of their occupancy of portions of the city-owned property to guide the local officials on what future actions will be done.
By Dexter A. See