Study on Baguio's carrying capacity nearing completion
THE CITY Planning and Development Office reported the ongoing study on the carrying capacity is nearing completion to serve as a basis in crafting the city’s future short, medium and long term development plans to address major issues and concerns being confronted by the local government.
City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Evelyn Cayat said the project, worth P1 million, is funded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to help in ascertaining the real carrying capacity of the city so as not to compromise the efficient and effective delivery of basic services in a highly urbanized area.
“We hope the noble project will be completed in three to six months as the study is now in its pre-final stage by the study team and consultants from NEDA so that its results will serve as a basis of the local government in crafting the appropriate interventions addressing the major issues and concerns of the city,” Cayat stressed.
The city planning and development officer explained carrying capacity does not only refer to the capacity of the available lands in the city to hold the increasing number of people but it also refers to the ability of the concerned government agencies and the local government to provide the basic services needed by the people in terms of infrastructure, shelter, basic services, among others, needed for their stay in a certain locality.
According to her, the local government has its zoning ordinance and comprehensive land use plan now serving as the basis in the implementation of the city’s development projects and the put up of structures beneficial to the overall growth and development of Baguio.
Cayat pointed out the results of the study on Baguio’s carrying capacity will serve as a baseline in the formulation of sustainable programs, projects and activities of the local
government that ensures the sustainable protection of the environment while allowing the reasonable state of development in various parts of the city.
She asserted the local government is also steadfast in ensuring the sustainable preservation and protection of no build zones, forest reservations and safeguarded lands to ensure the availability of spaces that ensures the preservation and protection of the city’s environment to maintain its cool weather being frequented by thousands of foreign and domestic tourists year-round.
The city department head expressed the local government’s gratitude to NEDA regional and national officials for sourcing out the required funds for the study on the city’s carrying capacity to once and for all address the city’s increasing number of problems due to rapid migration and urbanization.
Cayat claimed the local government remains vigilant in addressing numerous issues and concerns being raised against the state of development in the city, citing that the city’s development thrust is based on approved national and local laws, rules and regulations necessary in advancing the state of development in the city.