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Baguio folk frown at proposed SM walkway

BAGUIO CITY (Sept. 16) — The proposed construction of a pedestrian walkway leading to SM City Baguio (SM) drew opposition from Baguio old-timers, businesspersons and non-government organizations here, despite SM Archt. Jose Siao Ling saying it is designed to provide convenience and safety to people going to SM apart from solving the traffic and pollution problems in the area.

The structure, an elevated covered walkway made of light materials and open railings, will be built near the junction of Session Road and Gov. Pack Road all the way to the entrance of the establishment. Almost none of those who spoke during the public hearing conducted by the city council committee on public utilities last Tuesday favored the project.

Those who spoke were concerned that the structure will have adverse effects on the traffic condition, business standing and on the aesthetic valued of the Session Road. Ms. Cecille Afable of the media sector and former Vice-Mayor Virginia De Guia said it would destroy the native features and unique landscape of Session Road, considered the heart of the city. Afable said the structure would just be an extension of SM’s dominant structure, which she said, has effectively obscured the city’s landscape.

“Now, it’s all SM and no more Baguio. Please leave a little of Baguio as was. Don’t desecrate everything,” Afable appealed.

Cathy Dela Rosa of NOANTS said the SM plan must be synchronized with the city’s overall traffic plan to ensure effectiveness. Engr. Mario Alzona Jr. of the Baguio Association of Non-Government Organizations (BANGO) and Perfecto Itliong Jr. of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations (FEJODA) local chapter said SM must consider other options like the construction of underpass and other measures to solve the congestion problem without altering the aesthetic view of the city.

Executives also registered their opposition to the project. The Session Road Businessmen Association through Nelia Cid submitted a position paper asking the council committee on public utilities headed by Councilor Rocky Thomas Balisong not to rush in endorsing the project. They asked for a leeway of six months to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the project.

A representative of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, whose building is located directly across the proposed project site also asked for more time before the project is implemented saying their building will surely be affected by the construction.

For its part, a group of architects and planners led by Archts. Joseph Alabanza and Raffy Chan also registered its objection to the project citing that the structure will constrict the sidewalks in adjoining areas causing human traffic to overflow into the adjoining roads. This, they said, will deprive business establishments located around the project site of full business opportunities. They said it would block the “visual corridor” leading to Gov. Pack Road and further constrict its already narrow route. The group said the proposed structure is unnecessary especially since the demand for such is on specific time of the day only. Apart from this, the group felt that the structure would compromise the on-going preparation of the overall traffic management plan to decongest the city.

SM representatives said they are willing to abide by whatever decision the city will reach regarding the project.

The committee will study all the reactions as it prepares to make its recommendations on the matter for submission to the city council. # AP. Refuerzo/PIO

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