City raises concerns on proposed bypass road at Buyog Watershed
The city government through the City Engineering Office raised concerns on the proposed construction of a bypass road at the Buyog watershed including the potential adverse ecological impact of the project on the watershed.
During the meeting on the proposed project last Sept. 21, 2023 at the Baguio City District Engineering Office-Dept. of Public Works and Highways Multi-Purpose Hall, the CEO headed by Engr. Edgar Victorio Olpindo expressed concern on the possible effects of having a road network within the watershed considering the fast dwindling resources in the forest reserve long beset by squatting problems.
CEO representatives Engr. Amy Gas-ib of the CEO Traffic and Transport Management Division also cited Proclamation No. 93 of 1992 which prohibits any infrastructure construction within the watershed area.
The project may also affect the proposed rainwater harvesting facility being worked on by Mayor Benjamin Magalong for possible implementation in 2024.
During the meeting, it was gathered that the bypass road was proposed by Rep. Marquez Go in response to requests from barangay captains of barangays Pinget, West Quirino Hill and Middle Quirino Hill.
The punong barangays cited the benefits of having the bypass road in the area that would serve as an emergency pass and would help in mobility as it would connect two distinct areas.
They also said that the presence of the road would prevent squatters from encroaching on open land. They also said that the proposed road alignment ensures that no trees will be cut.
For its part, the BCDEO-DPWH representative pointed out that the proposed project traverses the property of Buyog Watershed, which falls under the jurisdiction of Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources and the Baguio Water District.
It was informed that BWD also expressed reservation about allowing the road construction as the decision involves multiple stakeholders.
It was noted that the bypass road’s planned route will traverse the location of the daycare center.
Noting the concerns raised especially the presence of Proclamation No. 93-1992, the BCDEO-DPWH decided to suspend the project in the meantime that the legal impediment has not been resolved.
The barangay heads will work out the inclusion of the project in the amended process of the proclamation for the segregation of some portions of the watershed for award to qualified occupants.
The matter will also be escalated to the city council for further consideration and appropriate action.
The CEO resolved to also endorse the matter to the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) “to check on structures that have encroached within the said watershed since it is clear on the said proclamation that there should not be any type of structure within the said reserve.” – Aileen P. Refuerzo/CEO
