BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong delivered his State of City Address highlighting the administration’s focus on good governance, strengthening government systems, sustainability and building a more livable, inclusive, and creative Baguio, during the 117th annual Baguio Day, held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, on September 1.
According to Magalong, it was recognized early on that real change lies in the strength of the institution itself: how well it plans, how effectively it executes, how it collaborates with others, and how consistently it improves.
He said that direction is reflected in the shared vision for Baguio 2043: A Livable, Inclusive, and Creative City. Together with the 7-point core agenda, it serves as our guide in making decisions, setting priorities, and investing resources.
The three dimensions of the Vision guide the journey of change: LIVABILITY – creating a safe, resilient, healthy, and sustainable environment;
INCLUSIVITY – ensuring equal access to opportunities, services, and meaningful participation; and CREATIVITY – fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, and new solutions that enable the city to continuously adapt and thrive.
According to Magalong, a vision as ambitious as Baguio 2043 requires a clearer understanding of where we are, the challenges we face, and the capabilities we must build. A long-term vision will only be meaningful if there is the capacity to move it forward. “
“If we want Baguio 2043 to become a reality, we must also ensure that the way we govern today is strong enough to support it in the years to come.”
“Our revenues grew by 14.04% in 2025, from 2.63 billion pesos to 3 billion pesos. As of July this year, we have collected 2.25 billion pesos. For 2026, we have a budget of 3.65 billion pesos, of which 62% was already spent last month.”
He said, through the Performance Governance System or PGS, they are strengthening how the city plans, executes, and measures its strategies. “We have already completed the Initiation and Compliance stages, and we received the Silver Trailblazer Award for both stages. We are now working toward the 3rd and 4th stages, namely Proficiency and Institutionalization, respectively.”
“We are also sustaining our ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Just this March, the city underwent a five-day recertification audit covering our departments and services, and we successfully passed. This tells us that the systems and processes we have put in place continue to meet international standards, but more importantly, it keeps us disciplined in reviewing and improving the way we work.”
Through the Emerging Leaders Program or ELP, Magalong are developing the next generation of leaders to manage the city government. Two training sessions have been completed since we started this program in 2025. Resolution 695 series of 2026 was passed formally adopting and institutionalizing ELP as the city’s official leadership development framework. We have already seen the results. We have watched our mid-level staff step up, take on bigger responsibilities, and grow into capable leaders.
He also moved away from the palakasan system in promotions and appointments. “Ever since I became Mayor, I waive my right to select who gets appointed or promoted. I leave that decision to the Personal Selection Board based on track record, service reputation, leadership potentials and character. I adopted the same for positions such as the Chief of Police/City Director and members of the Board of the Baguio Water District Board. Unless there is a serious concern, I do not intervene. I hope this is one mindset that stays in City Hall: you earn your position based on merit. You do not owe it to the Mayor.”
