Interim chief of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Atty. Rhenan Diwas favors the opening of public parks for residents come September to address the mental health situation in the locality.
During meeting with city managers chaired by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Diwas said, “Our locals need to have a change of environment to feel they are still part of a community… the Baguio community.”
“While quarantine measures are being imposed to curb spread of Covid-19, the numbers of suicide cases from March until the present, which include minors, have already reached 15.” Diwas stressed.
Diwas was citing data generated by the Local Civil Registrar of Baguio on local suicide cases.
He added, “There is likewise a notable increase in domestic violence during the period.”
“These,” Diwas said, “are compelling reasons for us to reopen our parks to residents, subject to health protocols to prevent spread of Covid-19.”
As preliminary measure to prevent spread of the disease, he said CEPMO now strictly enforces a no vending policy.
“This is to keep persons in parks to a manageable number and to prevent close contacts amongst park-revelers,” he explained.
In a related development, during the “Ugnayan” press conference at the City Hall, Thursday, Supervising Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo bolstered CEPMO’s intentions of opening public parks to residents.
He added, as part of the muted month-long 111th Baguio Charter Anniversary celebration this September the Baguio Night Market will likewise be revived along with the weekly closure of Session Road.
“These,” he clarified, “are for residents only… we need some semblance of normalcy.”
The City Tourism Office headed by Mapalo is a division of the City Administrator’s Office (CADMO) headed by Engr. Bonifacio Dela Peña.
Mapalo said, as directed by Mayor Benjie, concerned offices and city health officials are now deep into formulating policies to protect Baguio locals from Covid-19.
“Once we have our health policies in place, we can now resume biking and boating at Burnham Park; and, horseback-riding at the Wright Park.”
He however clarified, “These plans can change anytime. It can be modified or scrapped altogether depending on actual community health conditions.
(Gaby Keith /Julie Fianza/ Baguio Public Information Office)
(Photo courtesy by OIC Joseph Manzano)