by Aileen Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY, March 27 -- The city government must consider establishing commercial districts at Irisan and Loakan areas as a measure to decongest the Central Business District.

Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr. broached this in a proposed ordinance which the city council considered on second reading and for publication last Monday.

In his proposal, Cosalan said it is the city government’s responsibility “to uplift, enhance and sustain the socio-economic conditions of its constituents through the establishment of new economic centers to cater to the growing needs of investors and entrepreneurs; generation of livelihood and job opportunities; and the identification of potential economic growth zones as priority sites for new investments and business expansion.”

He proposed the new commercial districts to be located in portions of Barangays Loakan Proper, Loakan Apugan, Loakan Liwanag and Camp 7 to constitute the Southern Growth Zone and Lower Irisan and the adjacent portion of Pinsao Proper Barangay, Baguio City as the Northern Growth Zone.

To realize this, he proposed that the City Planning and Development Office and the City Engineering Office in cooperation with the barangays concerned to come up with the delineation of the commercial districts within 60 days upon approval of the ordinance. A delineated New Commercial District shall be contiguous with an area of not less than one square kilometer or 100 hectares.

Once done, the delineation shall be reflected in the updated Comprehensive City Land Use.
Furthermore, a development plan shall be prepared for the delineated Commercial Districts by the City Planning and Development Office considering among others the appropriate business/industry to be established, zoning of related enterprises and the planning of proper infrastructures in coordination with residents who are accredited planners and to be appointed by the City Mayor.


Within five years from effectivity of the ordinance, the City Government shall include in its Annual Investment Plan as priority projects the upgrading or development of public infrastructures such as but not limited to roads, sewer lines/treatment plants, power and water facilities, fire stations, and other utilities for public convenience in said growth areas.


Also after the approval of the ordinance, the city government shall establish satellite offices in the new business districts to cater to the needs of investors and residents alike and to facilitate the issuance of certain government permits and clearances such as Business Permit, Community Tax Certificate, Working Permit, or Mayor’s Permit.


Cosalan’s proposal will be subjected to deliberation by the body before it will approved on second and third readings.*(AR/PIO Baguio City//PIA CAR)