Baguio City Mayor Pushes for More Green Spaces as Arboretum Park Opens
Key Takeaways
- •Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong called for expanding green spaces to protect the city's biodiversity and keep it livable amid continuing urban development.
- •The appeal was made during the October 19 opening of the Baguio Arboretum Park, a project aimed at preserving the natural heritage of the Philippines' summer capital.
- •Baguio, a mountain city roughly 1,500 meters above sea level laid out under an early 20th-century plan by American architect Daniel Burnham, faces mounting pressure from population growth and construction.
- •Green spaces deliver benefits including cleaner air, cooler urban temperatures, reduced flood risk through rainwater absorption, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas for residents.
- •Magalong urged residents, stakeholders, and partner groups to share responsibility for conserving the city's natural resources and expressed hope the park would inspire more green-space initiatives.
BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has called for more green spaces in Baguio City to protect the city's biodiversity, improve urban living conditions, and preserve its natural environment amid continuing urban development.
Mr. Magalong made the call during the Oct. 19 opening of the Baguio Arboretum Park, a project aimed at preserving the natural heritage of the Philippines' summer capital.
Baguio, a mountain city in the Cordillera region of northern Luzon situated roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, is prized for its cool climate and pine-covered landscape. It was laid out in the early 20th century under a plan by American architect Daniel Burnham and has since grown into one of the country's most popular destinations, bringing with it mounting pressure from population growth and construction. It is against that backdrop of mounting growth pressure that the mayor is pressing to expand the city's green cover.
Beyond beautifying the city, green spaces help clean the air, cool urban temperatures, absorb rainwater to reduce flooding, and provide habitats for wildlife. They also offer residents areas for recreation, exercise, and relaxation, contributing to healthier and more livable communities. For a city whose identity is tied to its cool climate and pine-covered setting, those functions are central to keeping it livable as development continues.
The arboretum showcases Baguio's rich biodiversity, including its diverse trees, plants, birds, and other wildlife, while giving residents and visitors an opportunity to appreciate nature and the importance of conservation.
Mr. Magalong stressed that protecting the city's ecological balance must go hand in hand with sustainable urban development. He urged residents, stakeholders, and partner groups to share responsibility for conserving Baguio's natural resources.
He also thanked those who helped develop the park, expressing hope that it would inspire more green-space initiatives across the city and help preserve Baguio's natural character for future generations.
— Artemio A. Dumlao
Source: BusinessWorld Online
