Baguio: A city councilor here has proposed an ordinance to institutionalize coordination mechanisms between the national government and the city government of Baguio. Councilor Vladimir Cayabas said it will ensure that all national government-funded infrastructure projects are properly aligned with local development plans and will undergo prior consultation and approval, including from affected communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cayabas aims to prevent overlapping projects, substandard outcomes, and avoid the misuse of public funds for the same projects. He emphasized that projects need to be subjected to consultation with affected communities, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders. This process enables the city government to address public concerns, secure consent, and obtain a social license from the community prior to implementation.

Cayabas clarified that with proper coordination, the local government unit (LGU) can help the national government explain to the people the importance of the projects. He believes that the city government and the residents will understand better and avoid confusion when appropriate explanations and coordination are in place.

Residents have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction over the sudden closure of roads to accommodate projects, which the city government was not informed of. Cayabas highlighted the need for cooperation between national and local governments, and the proposed ordinance seeks to resolve issues related to unexpected project implementations.

The ordinance defines ‘national projects’ as those funded by the national government, such as road and bridge construction, flood control infrastructure, water systems, public buildings, and other major development works.