BAGUIO CITY is setting sights on focusing on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, improving waste management, and promoting sustainable development in its environmental plan for 2025 to 2028.
The plan, part of the city’s Executive Legislative Agenda now being finalized, aims to make Baguio cleaner, greener, and more climate resilient.
Baguio City targets a 5% cut in greenhouse gas emissions based on 2026 levels and a 10% reduction in landfill waste to 270 tons daily from 300 tons. Around P100 million has been set aside to finish the Central Material Recovery Facility and build three more barangay waste centers to boost recycling and lessen landfill use.
The city also plans to work with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme on a project that encourages residents to change waste disposal habits.
Upgrades to sewage and septage facilities are also planned, along with the rehabilitation of damaged sewer lines and the addition of 5,000 new household connections. The city wants to reach a 70% collection rate for sanitation and environmental fees by 2028.
For hazardous waste, the local government plans to establish a proper collection and disposal system by 2028. It will gather data on hazardous materials, explore better handling of e-waste and used oil, and create an ordinance to strengthen waste programs at the barangay level.
Air quality and urban forest management will continue under the CLEAR Baguio Strategy, which includes real-time air monitoring, a wider tree registry, and citizen participation. By 2028, the city hopes to launch a SMART platform that connects air and forest data, with at least 90% of stakeholders actively involved.
Water security and green spaces are also priorities. The city aims to increase its water supply by 3,500 cubic meters per day through system improvements and waterway rehabilitation.
From 2025 to 2027, parks like Burnham Park and Mines View Park will be redeveloped. By 2028, Baguio plans to complete a network of well-maintained parks and fully enforce its new Green Building Ordinance to promote eco-friendly construction across the city. — Artemio A. Dumlao
