Baguio eyes more heritage sites

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – More of this city’s historic sites and tourist attractions should be declared heritage sites to address its overdevelopment, according to the Baguio Heritage Foundation Inc. (BHFI).

Former city architect Joseph Alabanza of the BHFI cited the city’s “irreplaceable assets” such as the Baguio Cathedral, Igorot Park, Mines View Park, Session Road, Burnham Park, Harrison Road, Malcolm Square along with several schools, hospitals, roads, and streets.

 He said overdevelopment has taken its toll on the city, adding, “Baguio has its limits.”

The Baguio Country Club, Casa Vallejo, Dominican Hill, and The Mansion have been installed with historical markers by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

  Baguio City diocese Bishop Carlito Cenzon  said the city is under construction, and the challenge is how to manage it “when it has gone beyond its capacities.”

 United Architects of the Philippines Baguio president Aris Go admitted that architects were partly to blame for the city’s overdevelopment. But he said the UAP is pursuing corrective measures through workshops and education campaigns for architects.

Go said city planning should not be affected by the term of office of politicians. He said plans should also be for the long term.