By Aileen P. Refuerzo

 

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — The city executive department under Mayor Benjamin Magalong has mapped out an Environmental Action Plan anchored on facilitating environmental regeneration, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improving waste management systems by 2028.

The plan is part of the Executive-Legislative Agenda currently being finalized, charting the city’s developmental direction from 2025 to 2028.

The plan targets a 5 percent decrease in GHG emission from 2026 baseline levels and at least a 10 percent reduction in landfill waste, from 300 tons per day to 270 tons per day.

𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆

Under the plan’s Solid Waste Management component, the city aims to complete the Central Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and establish three additional barangay MRFs by 2028.

These efforts are supported by ₱100 million in funding, with the project divided into several phases—completion of road networks, environmental compliance, and installation of new waste processing equipment such as food waste and plastic shredders.

The city will also implement a Social Behavioral Change Project on waste management in partnership with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

For Liquid Waste Management, the city aims to implement a modernized and upgraded Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Septage Facility by 2028. The plan includes rehabilitation of higher-risk sewer line segments, expansion of new connections, and achievement of a 70 percent collection efficiency for Sanitation and Environmental Users’ Fees.

The program will also ensure a rehabilitated sewer network equivalent to at least 5,000 new connections.

In terms of Hazardous Waste Management, the city aims to establish an Institutionalized Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal System by 2028. Key steps include baseline data collection, exploratory management systems for hazardous waste such as e-waste and used oil, and the creation of an ordinance to strengthen barangay-level collection systems.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

The city’s Air and Urban Forest Management initiatives include the continued rollout of the Community and Local Engagement for Air and Reforestation (CLEAR) Baguio Strategy focusing on real-time air quality monitoring, expanded tree registry coverage, and citizen engagement programs.

By 2028, the city envisions a real-time, accessible SMART platform integrating air quality, urban forest management and community greening. At least 90 percent of stakeholders are expected to be engaged and responsive to these initiatives. The goal is to make Baguio a national model for SMART environmental communication and urban greening.

Meanwhile, the City Integrated Water Management program will ensure a seven-day-a-week water supply and an increase of 3,500 cubic meters per day in available water by 2028.

Key deliverables include nature-based waterway rehabilitation, improvement of micro water systems in identified areas such as Kias, Quirino and Irisan, and the implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management Plan.

Monitoring systems for water supply, recharge capacity, and waterway health will also be established.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

The plan also covers the redevelopment and expansion of parks, open spaces and green buildings.

Between 2025 and 2027, the city eyes multiple projects including the redevelopment of Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Lower Wright Park and Happy Glen Community Park. The Conservation Management Plan of Dominican Hill and Heritage Park is also in the pipeline.

By 2028, the city aims to achieve an increased sustainable citywide network of healthy, inclusive, and resilient parks and open spaces. These parks will integrate environmental benefits such as cooling, biodiversity, and stormwater management, alongside improved public health and social cohesion. Baguio will also establish a sustainable financing and governance model for park maintenance and position itself as a national model for green and health-promoting urban spaces.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

In support of environmental compliance, the city will roll out Green Building Standards to all barangays and building owners. Continuous assessment, inventory, and execution of these standards will culminate in the implementation of a Green Building Ordinance by 2028. The target is to ensure 100 percent compliance of all new and existing buildings with green standards.

Magalong said that through these programs, projects and activities, the city, in collaboration with the private sector, aims to create a greener, cleaner and more resilient city.