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City weighs options on slaughterhouse privatization

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 19) — The city government is still weighing its options for the privatization of the city slaughterhouse considering an earlier court decision that the area could not be covered by any long term lease agreement, thus, could not be privatized.

The options include that of allowing a private entity to improve the facilities while the city maintains its management. The other option is for the city to transfer the abattoir operations in another area.

The Philippine Abattoir Development Corporation (PADC) earlier submitted a proposal to operate the slaughterhouse under a long-term lease and a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. This plan faced a setback when the court ruled that the area is a national reservation, thus, cannot be covered by a long-term lease agreement.

PADC’s proposal has earlier gained Yaranon’s approval and has been endorsed to the city planning and development office and the city veterinary office for their perusal and recommendations.

PADC offered to upgrade the facilities, which include the main building to house the equipment, corrals and offices, and to complete unfinished structures. PADC Pres. Jesus de Veyra promised to install a waste processing facility to minimize pollution. # Aileen P. Refuerzo/PIO

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1st Job Fair for the differently-abled

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 21) — The city’s first job fair for persons with disabilities opened on Aug. 20 at the Baguio Convention Center. It was held as part of this year’s White Cane Safety Month.

The job fair was geared towards giving employment opportunities for the city’s persons with disabilities. Nevertheless, Public Employment Services Office Executive Assistant Romelda Escano said the job fair promises to be both meaningful and fulfilling for both the differently abled and the able-bodied persons.

The job fair also coincided with a trade fair and products exposition, which featured handcrafted furniture, decorations, knick-knacks, crocheted products and paintings by differently-abled individuals.

White Cane used to draw specific attention on the plight of the visually impaired, according to Baguio Councilor Federico Mandapat, Jr., but the term now expands to include all other persons with disabilities. # PESO Release

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Health Office tap Internet for repro health info drive

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 19) — The health services office here put up a program using the internet to inform and answer queries from the youth on sexuality and reproductive health. Dubbed E-inquiryabout young people’s issues and concerns, the information drive aims to provide venue for teenagers to express their feeling on sexual and reproductive issues and concerns.

Dr. Celia Brillantes of the City Social Hygiene Clinic (CSHC) said, the program shall create certain health-seeking behavior among teenagers and adolescents. It will also gather frequently asked questions while working to start a baseline information on their needs to improve youth friendly health services.

Aside from the internet, a telephone hotline and two drop boxes have been available for the city’s youth. An on-line real time chat through a website will soon be available and more drop boxes will be placed in city schools to enhance the program. To date, some 35 boys and girls availed of the e-mail. # Art Killip/PIO

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Dads defer decongesting CBD

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 19) — The city council last week deferred discussing the proposed resolution for the decongestion of the central business district (CBD).

The proposed resolution authored by Councilors Jose Molintas and Faustino Olowan requested Mayor Braulio D. Yaranon to create a multi-sectoral task force or committee to draft a 10-year decongestion plan for the CBD.

The proposed body shall assess the current situation as to zoning and comprehensive land use plan, identify highly populated and development points, and possible diffusion areas, formulate and recommend a 10-year action plan and monitor its implementation.

Councilor Edilberto Tenefrancia said that instead of creating an ad hoc committee to do the job, the city planning office should do the mentioned tasks. # Julie Fianza/PIO

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Windows traffic scheme gets Baguio council approval

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 18) — The city council approved the proposed resolution for Mayor Braulio D. Yaranon to issue an administrative order for the two-month experimental “windows” traffic scheme.

Proposed to take effect from September 1 to November 1, the “windows” system shall allow vehicles to enter the central business district (CBD) from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. only. During this period, observed the legislators, traffic is lightest in the CBD.

The number coding scheme shall still be imposed from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M and from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00P.M., considered rush hours.

This experimental traffic scheme is a result of a public hearing earlier conducted. The tourism sector also recommends the scheme. # Julie Fianza/PIO

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Baguios’ Justice Brawner to grace Baguio Day

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 19) — Preparations are underway for Baguio City’s Charter Day celebrations, with Justice Romeo Brawner, presiding officer of the Court of Appeals eyed as guest of honor and speaker.

Intended to draw more tourists into the city, this year’s Charter Day starts with the Miss Baguio pageant on Aug. 20. Activities extend up to the end of September.

The main program on September 1 shall honor outstanding citizens and non-government organizations, followed by a grand parade, a voice choir concert and a cultural program, all at the Baguio Convention Center.

Other activities include a Takbo para sa Kalusugan at Kalikasan on August 28, sports activities and skills and food fair, among others. # Aileen Refuerzo/PIO

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