House approves creation of BLISTTDA

THE HOUSE of Representatives, voting 225-0, has approved on third and final reading HB 6974 seeking for the creation of Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sublan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority otherwise known as the BLISTTDA.

Authored by Baguio City Representative Mark Go, the measure would promote the rational development and delivery of basic services in Baguio City and its contiguous towns.

BLISTTDA will exercise management, regulatory and supervisory authority and will include services of development planning, urban renewal, land use planning and housing and shelter formulation, transport and traffic management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, water resource system, health and sanitation, pollution control and public safety and order.

“Once enacted into law, The BLISTT Development Authority will be a government entity endowed with corporate powers that will be responsible for planning and implementing basic area-wide services without diminution of the autonomy of the LGUs concerning purely local matters,” Go said.

Among others, the proposed measure will render services having wider coverage and impact as well as rationalizes the usage of infrastructures and thoroughfares, transport and traffic management, environment, tourism, water supply, waste management,

migration and housing.

“Its establishment will proffer a road map to achieve a sustainable social and economic growth for the interest and benefit of the people. I fervently hope that this would be passed into law for this will be a milestone for the Cordillerans,” Go stressed.

“We should think in a more holistic manner of approach in targeting what is needed to be done not only in Baguio City but also in the municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sublan, Tuba and Tublay,” Go said.

The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for it’s consideration and approval.