The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) is leading the charge in promoting responsible tourism at the grassroots level, starting with a tree-planting activity that literally digs into the ground.

BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara is focused on expanding tourism into the city’s outskirt areas. She expressed her gratitude to the Kapisanan ng Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) Baguio chapter, led by Rico John Ferrer and Letlet Dela Cruz of 95.9 Big Sound FM, for spearheading this annual environmental initiative called “Oplan Broadcatreeing.”

Approximately 100 pine tree saplings were planted, along with an equal number of coffee seeds, in an area designated by the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) as an adopted space for the broadcasters’ group to nurture.

Ms. Vergara emphasized that she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty, as long as the effort contributes to preserving Baguio’s forest cover, which is one of the city’s unique natural charms. “Caring for our forest resources will help instill a love for our natural environment,” she said, highlighting that forest preservation is crucial to conserving Baguio’s assets and attracting more tourists.

She stressed that a key part of BTC’s tourism mandate is to preserve Baguio’s forested landscape, a natural attraction for visitors. “Let us persevere in doing our part in caring for our environment,” she urged. “By conserving our natural mountain assets, we can attract more tourists, providing them with opportunities to engage in meaningful activities where they, too, can contribute.”

During a visit to another barangay, she reiterated the importance of fostering community care for inclusive socio-economic growth. “Every area in Baguio has the potential for social cohesion and economic development,” she pointed out. “The more we care for our forest resources, the more we can sustain growth and development for everyone.”

“Nothing is impossible when we all work together,” she said, underscoring that community bonding can pave the way for collective growth. “Looking ahead, I am committed to intensifying our efforts to develop the limitless tourism potential that Baguio has to offer.”

At the end of the day, Gladys recalled that in 2016, she launched a green energy advocacy called “Glad to be Green.” Through this initiative, a solar-electric powered Green Bus tech demonstration was conducted for two months, aiming to achieve the following:

1. Promote the use of solar-electric vehicle technology and educate the public on its benefits.
2. Advocate for zero-emissions and contribute to lowering CO2 concentrations in the central business district.
3. Assist in pedestrianizing and decongesting the central business district.

The “Glad to be Green” Bus, an environmentally friendly, zero-emissions public transport initiative, was just one of the many green projects lined up for the city in 2016. It provided free rides, reduced the volume of cars clogging the main thoroughfares, and improved the city’s air quality.

“Those were years when the passion to serve reached new heights,” she said, noting that she strongly advocated for renewable energy in 2016 as part of an initiative to mitigate the looming effects of climate change by reducing gas emissions.