Baguio City is making waves in environmental protection and climate change adaptation. The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) is leading the charge, engaging both residents and visitors in sustainable practices.
During a recent flag-raising ceremony, CEPMO shared their initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of environmental preservation. They organized climate change committee meetings and ran educational activities focused on building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and controlling pollution.
One standout program is the “Salaknib ti Waig,” dedicated to protecting the city’s waterways. In the past year alone, CEPMO issued 150 notices of violation, conducted over 300 inspections, and encouraged 56,055 community members to participate in cleanup activities. These efforts helped remove 658 tons of waste from local waterways and neighborhoods.
To tackle air pollution, CEPMO tested 940 diesel vehicles and oversaw voluntary emissions checks for nearly 3,000 more. They continually monitor air quality at four key locations throughout the city.
CEPMO is also working on improving water safety. They partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to support an artificial groundwater recharge project and inspected deep wells to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
Additionally, they took action on environmental complaints, resolving 17 issues and issuing three demolition orders against illegal encroachments. They’ve managed 924 declogging operations and addressed 51 sewer complaints to keep waste management in check. Their preventive maintenance covered a hefty 16,116 meters of sewer lines.
On the compliance side, CEPMO issued numerous permits and certificates, including 498 wastewater disposal certificates and 72 sewer connection permits. Remarkably, they treated over 8,600 cubic meters of septage at the local sewer treatment facility.
As for hazardous waste, CEPMO inspected 127 generators, mostly from food service establishments, and collected over 8,300 kilograms of e-waste. They also provided educational campaigns on proper hazardous waste disposal and continued to promote the city’s anti-plastic ordinance through community meetings.
These collective efforts highlight a commitment to a cleaner, greener Baguio City, demonstrating how local action can spark broader change in environmental practices. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing pride in their city’s initiatives on social media.
For more information about environmental protection initiatives, you can check the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
