BAGUIO CITY – In a concerted effort to enhance waste management practices and address issues related to the misuse of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) identification cards, a meeting was held on March 6, 2025, at the Smart City Command Center, Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, bringing together city officials, business owners, and key stakeholders from Session Road establishments.
Presided over by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, City Mayor, Gladys Vergara, Chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council, and City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan, the meeting was attended by representatives from leading restaurants and establishments, environmental officers, and business administrators.
Key Issues Discussed
1.Waste Management and Garbage Collection
Odor Issue from Pig Farms: The persistent odor from nearby pig farms continues to impact businesses along Session Road. Ms. Gladys Vergara proposed the use of Greensoil as a solution to mitigate the issue. The BTC Greensoil Venture, an advocacy led by the Baguio Tourism Council, promotes a composting method that utilizes a specialized reagent to accelerate the decomposition process, effectively managing biodegradable waste.
Garbage Collection Fees and Implementation: The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) and Mayor Magalong engaged businesses in discussions on waste collection pricing. Business owners emphasized the need for a cost-effective solution.
Garbage Segregation Issues: Businesses were reminded to strictly follow waste segregation rules to improve efficiency, as the city collects a substantial volume of garbage daily.
Food Waste Management and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Project: Mayor Magalong introduced the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae to process food waste. A third-party provider will oversee bin distribution and waste processing, with a scheduled site visit for business owners before implementation.
Adaptation of SM Baguio’s Waste Collection Model: The city proposed a unified waste collection system similar to SM Baguio’s model. While some businesses prefer direct disposal, further discussions are planned.
Waste Collection Costs and Negotiation: Bidding for waste collection services has commenced, and businesses await clarity on pricing. The city may also derive a share from waste collection fees to sustain the system.
Hazardous Waste Disposal: Mayor Magalong emphasized that hazardous waste, including used oil, must be handled by DENR-accredited haulers, with non-compliance subject to legal action.
2.Business Compliance and Individual Meetings
Businesses inside Porta Vaga Mall and Baguio Center Mall already implement unified waste collection. Mayor Magalong encouraged other Session Road establishments to follow suit.
Direct negotiations between businesses and city officials will continue for those opting for independent disposal methods.
3.Verification and Legal Measures on Fake PWD IDs
Issuance and Authentication: Dr. Samuel Aquino, Chief of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO), reported an alarming increase in fake PWD IDs in Baguio. Businesses were advised to verify IDs based on:
Validity period (5 years from issuance)
Proper serial number format and mayor’s seal
Photocopying and reporting suspected fake IDs to PDAO
Pending Improvements in PWD ID Issuance: The city is working on a more secure technology-based PWD ID system, pending rollout from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Guidelines for Business Owners:
PWD IDs must only be used by the registered owner.
Discounts cannot be combined with promotions.
Complaints on fraudulent IDs should be filed with PDAO.
Next Steps and Action Items
Site Visit to Waste Management Facility: Businesses will confirm participation and visit the BSF processing facility before program implementation.
Separate Negotiations with SM Baguio: The city will conduct independent discussions with SM Baguio on their waste hauling practices.
Proposal Submission for Waste Collection: Businesses will submit their proposed solutions for garbage collection.
Hazardous Waste Regulations: Establishments must ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste through accredited haulers to comply with DENR regulations.
Mayor Magalong reiterated the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management and business compliance, urging restaurant owners and establishments to collaborate closely with the city government in ensuring a cleaner and more efficient waste disposal system.
The Baguio Tourism Council and business owners pledged to work together in implementing these initiatives for the betterment of the city.
For inquiries or further details, business owners may contact the Baguio Tourism Council or the City Environment and Parks Management Office.
