Baguio watersheds remain free from squatters

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Sustained monitoring and strict policy implementation have deterred squatting and construction of illegal structures within watersheds and other protected areas in Baguio City, Mayor Magalong said yesterday.

Citing observations of the city building and architecture office (CBAO) led by Johnny Degay, Magalong said continued surveillance measures have been effective in protecting the city’s watersheds against squatters.

This year, two unauthorized structures were spotted and immediately removed after due process from one of the watersheds in the city, according to Donald Gas-ib, chief of the CBAO investigation and demolition division. 

Last year, a total of 489 illegal structures located in a military reservation, watersheds and private lots were  ordered demolished by the city government.

Gas-ib said the number of illegal structures being reported in watersheds has since reduced.

He attributed the reduction to effective anti-squatting measures being implemented by the city government since 2022. 

Magalong lauded the CBAO and the city’s engineering, legal, environment and parks management offices as well as the police and the anti-squatting and anti-illegal structures committee for keeping a close watch on Baguio’s protected areas and property.

He said he has a standing order for barangay officials to monitor and report illegal constructions in their areas of responsibility, including in private lots and forests.