Wednesday, September 02, 2009 [ manilatimes.net ]
BAGUIO CITY: Preserving one of the remaining patches of forest in Baguio away from the planned multimillion condotel project was one of the special gifts President Gloria Arroyo gave Baguio ahead of its September 1 centennial anniversary.
President Arroyo, who graced the symbolic awarding of the Builders of Baguio at City Hall here over the weekend, was able to save the tree park within the Baguio Convention Center, which was being eyed as a site for a condotel project by SM Development Corp.
Saying that Baguio is one of the most unique places in the country, Mrs. Arroyo made Baguio officials, old timers and guests feel relieved when she announced that there would be no development within the tree park near the Baguio Convention Center.
The President’s announcement was much welcomed by concerned quarters especially advocates for the preservation of the natural grandeur of Baguio.
“We want the surrounding trees to be preserved. I instructed Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to tell Government Service Insurance System [GSIS] that any development to be undertaken must be done only in the built up areas and not in any place with plenty of trees,” Mrs. Arroyo said.
The President received a resounding applause considering that majority of the city officials and the whole Baguio Centennial Commission have stood pat in their resolve not to allow the destruction of the tree park.
Mrs. Arroyo seemed to have fully acknowledged the importance of preserving the tree park when she said that “environment protection is a very high priority in our development agency.”
The President, meanwhile, lauded the resiliency of the economy of Baguio having survived the post war era, including major disasters like the 1990 killer quake. She added that Baguio is the only city whose economy was propelled by tourism and the presence of mining in its environs.
She said Baguio has a special place in her heart, which is the reason why she and members of the First Family always spend their New Year’s holiday and Holy Week break at The Mansion instead of going to other tourism destinations.
-- Harley F. Palangchao
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