WHEN Baguio City commemorated its centennial anniversary as a chartered city last week, there was a marked lack of gaiety among the residents. This is quite ironic because anniversaries are supposed to be joyful celebrations since they signify longevity and endurance which are enough reasons to celebrate.
There was a parade, a centennial run, an elegant dinner for the city’s members of the upper class and a fireworks display to highlight the occasion. But in the midst of it all, there was a sweeping gloom and an absence of mirth and fun.
I lived in Baguio City for more than seven years during the Marcos era at which time I studied and worked. I felt lucky because I was able to experience a tranquil way of life in cool surroundings. I so loved the distinct pine scent that diffused in the air, exhilarating my lungs with clean uncontaminated oxygen each time I would go on long walks along South Drive, a road beside Camp John Hay where tall pine trees used to be plentiful. Traffic was not a problem then even along Session Road, the city’s main thoroughfare. As far as I can remember, bumper to bumper traffic situation only occurred on Holy Weeks when visitors would come in multitudes to take a break from the sweltering heat in the lowlands. Baguio then was like Shangrila – a dream place where everyone wanted to be.
But much like any other urban place in the Philippines, Baguio did not succeed in combating the disparaging effects of urbanization. Through the 100 years of its existence since its foundation as a chartered city, population growth was uncontrolled. Lack of effective planning and implementation of zoning laws, not to mention corruption and too much commerce had caused the city to be in a frenzied state that it is in now. While it is believed age should come with grace, dignity and undying charm – Baguio in its 100 years of urban status, has aged disgracefully and with much want of dignity. It is of no wonder then why Baguio people can’t truly feel proud and jubilant as Baguio City turns 100 years old.
What should be done or “undone” to restore the beauty of the summer capital? What will be entailed to scrape the ugly dots on the city’s face? By ugly dots I mean the structures that sprouted on hillsides and on every inhabitable nook within and outside the city proper. It’s a problem that previous city officials saw happening before their very eyes; yet they did nothing to nip it before it grew monstrously. Ah, hopefully, as Baguio starts to count years on its 2nd centenary, solutions will be found as to how it can repair itself.