BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved a resolution expressing the local government’s gratitude and commending the pupils of the Baguio Pines Family Learning Center for their letters to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the preservation and protection of the tree park adjoining the city-owned Baguio Convention Center owned by the State-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
The resolution authored by Councilor Peter Fianza stated that the pupils of the private education institution showed in their personal letters to the President their most amazing way with words and in expressing their firm stand to preserve and to protect the tree park for the city as may be summed from one of the letters of a Grade 3 pupil stating “please don’t allow people to build on the remaining forest reserves, particularly the small lot beside the Baguio convention Center. Baguio city is already congested and buildings are constructed everywhere. Please help save trees and nature for the next generations to enjoy.”
The resolution noted that while as often said that the power of words is that life can be launched with a little as a single piece, the letters of the pupils were simply magically amazing, thus, a reminder of what President John F. Kennedy of the United States once said that “children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”
According to the resolution, the resolute and determined stand of the pupils should not escape the attention of everyone and as a token of gratitude, the local government will express its gratitude to the pupils of the Baguio Pines Family Learning Center for their resolute and determined action for the preservation of the tree park and nature.
On January 28, 2019, pupils of the Baguio Pines Family Learning Center submitted to Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan their individual letters addressed to President Duterte for the preservation of the 1.4-hectare tree parking adjoining the Baguio Convention Center which is owned by the GSIS which in a study conducted is said to be a home to a reduced number of 544 pine trees, 24 bird species commonly found in the Cordillera and other various plants as well as insects.
The letters of the pupils was in support to the stand of Mayor Domogan for the preservation and protection of the tree park and the same letters were immediately transmitted to the Office of the President for his information and appropriate action.
On February 4, 2019, the GSI|S posted in its website a statement to the effect that it will preserve the lone tree park in the city that will neither be sold nor allowed to be converted into a commercial area by any party.
Earlier, Domogan has repeatedly offered to purchase the lot to ensure the preservation of the trees and its maintenance as a park and open space to help advance a balanced and healthy ecology pursuant to the rhythm and harmony of nature as constitutionally mandated but such offer was rejected by the GSIS.
The pupils which were commended by the local government were Carl Robert Nagen, Aidan Lee Soriano, Parents of Venice Ryhyanne de Leon, Elijah Francis Tudlong, Shindel Jaze Buyag, Nathe Althon Manalo, Jasmine Bactadan, Aiofe Elise Balusdan, Vaugh Antoine Tan, Jairus Galanza, Precious Miracquel Clarin, Brayden Luke Asuncion, Samantha Adriel Ong, Allinah Denisce Ballesteros, Deandre David Faustino, Romierose Eva Joya, Jeptha Caleb Ferandez, Jed William Galingan, Aera Klein Fatima Martin, Enrico Mapula, Aldrich James Mayuga, Leanne Giovana Gayadan, Riyu Caleb Albay, Eloisha Kai Mappang, Graciella Marie Castillo, Alliyah Dana Ballesteros, Liam Andre Salud, Von Knowell Esparagoza, Gabrylle Orystom Drake Saweg, Genesis Yvan Tudlong, Francheska Leigh Navarro, Kevinmar Fuentes, Albert Mhon Reyna, Daphne Miel Basawil, Arianne Peralta, Kamila Harlaine Gupaal, Sheila Grace Mahia, Elijah Jay Faustino, Sage Arrianne Myles Ramiro, Parents of Francis Angel RAbang, Jacob Elmer Kyle Brillantes, Jeralyn Baldivino, Pual Reyvee Milanes, Ma. Margaux Amyl Batalla, Denzel John Anawes, Nathaniel Desierto, Venice Antonet Suyat, Marian Claire Panlilio, Hyne Hadrian Eirl Bruno, Joshua Earl Villanueva, Laisha Clarisse Montes, Jumellea Aoas, Almer Gabriel Mahia, Jeline Aira Dew-alan, Jared Galanza, Millicent Ozara Sison, Liezel Sarah Sebastian, Kate Ashlee Todyog, Timmy John Crosby, Meg Cyzarine Gines and Alcina Dominique Flores.
By Dexter A. See
