THE HABITAT
Issue 3
Issue 3 of Habitat Environmental News highlights a range of topics including the vibrant new environmental murals, the implementation of round-the-clock police surveillance to protect Baguio watersheds, region-wide tree planting efforts, the development of a greener transport system in Baguio City, the role of a zero waste organization in promoting sustainable practices, the concerns of Baguio locals regarding tourism impact, the challenges of city traffic, and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism.
Images
FOR THE CITY’S WATER LIFELINE. Early morning snaps of the “Saving Our Remaining Watersheds” mural that extends 50 feet along Legarda Road, Baguio City, on Sunday, May 21. Launched last May 18, Baguio Educators Arts Guild (BEAG) and Sin-agi artists group led the creation of the mural. Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. headed the project with calls to stop intruding on the remaining watersheds.
News
To deter squatting and the establishment of illegal structures within what remains of the forest reservations, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) continues strict monitoring in the Busol and Buyog watersheds.
News
One hundred eighteen students from the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), through its National Service Training Program (NSTP) Office, joined in a tree-planting activity at the UPB Arboretum in Sabkil, Itogon, on May 22.
Images
BIKING FOR THE CLIMATE. More than three months after its launching last Feb. 1, the “Biking Mobility” or “Climate Action” mural remains in condition as captured on early Sunday morning, May 21. The mural that spreads 100 feet along Legarda Road, Baguio City has a granite top coat that protects it from weather and vehicle soot, said Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr.
News
With the commitment to reduce the city’s carbon emissions, the local government of Baguio continued to promote sustainable forms of transportation through the Low Carbon Urban Transport Systems (LCT) Project.
Images
HEALTH SANCTUARY. A creation by artists from 23 Sampaguita Studio, the mural captured on early Saturday morning, May 20 promotes #BreatheBaguio — the city’s new tourism branding. The mural located along Baguio General Hospital (BGH) rotunda was put up to honor the health workers and frontliners, according to Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Opinion
Gone are the days of unhampered adventures along tree-lined avenues, where the air carried the scent of pine and a sense of tranquility enveloped the soul. Today, Baguio finds itself grappling with plastic wastes and traffic congestion, as smoke from vehicles and burning wastes mingle with the once-pristine skies.
News Feature
Asian Development Bank (ADP) stated in a 2022 report that the City of Baguio has seen an increase in urbanization and tourism in the past years, which resulted in a surge in the number of vehicles navigating its congested streets. Hence, locals and students now have to cope with traffic congestion daily.
Images
FOR ALL TO SEE. Visitors are welcomed by Cordillera faces painted on the walls at a jeepney terminal, on Sunday, May 21. Venazir Martinez, a UP Baguio Fine Arts graduate, painted this narrative project she called “Hila-bana.” The word is derived from hilbanahan or “temporary stitching.”
News Feature
Using eco or paper bags, turning off electrical outlets and appliances when not in use, and conserving water are a few standard sustainable practices advised by the Baguio City Mayor’s office in the article entitled, “Acting on Sustainable Tourism for the Environment” posted on April 24 on the city’s government website.
News
Non-profit environmental organization Zero Waste Baguio Inc. promoted sustainable practices and a zero waste lifestyle in a public orientation on May 13 at the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, Baguio City.