Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City

As a favorite destination among tourists, Baguio City has had its share of urban problems, mainly in terms of congestion and vehicular traffic. Its mayor, Benjamin Magalong, hopes to offset this tourism downside with projects that would benefit both the locals and the city’s throng of seasonal guests.

Among his administration’s completed projects is the Baguio Convention Center, which was renovated and turned over last year. Considered one of the premier convention centers in the country, the complex has bright prospects as a major source of tourist income for the city.

In the pipeline are other projects meant to court more visitors to this summer capital, among them is what is envisioned to be a modern public market, and additional public bus terminals. Burnham Park and Mines View Park, meanwhile, are set to be rehabilitated in cooperation with the private sector.

The mayor’s initiatives have been driven by a sense of urgency and with an eye on conserving the city’s pine-scented environs.

Said Magalong: “All our projects to address environmental issues are strategic. We are looking at 50 years from now. We determine what would happen if we do not act now.”