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Appeal to the Barangay Council to oppose the expansion plan of SM City Baguio

To the Barangay CouncilBarangay Holy Ghost ProperBaguio City, Philippines 2600

Appeal for Local Government Involvement and Action for Environmental Issues

I. The Existing Provisions

On the Environment:

From the excerpts in the Philippine Agenda 21, in line with theprinciple of ecological soundness in which states that recognizing nature as our common heritage and thus respecting the limited carrying capacity and integrity of nature in the development process to ensure the right of

present and future generations to this heritage and the principle of biogeographical equity and community-based resource management which states that recognizing that since communities residing within or most proximate to an ecosystem of a bio-geographic region will be the ones to most directly and immediately feel the positive and negative impacts on that ecosystem, they should be given prior claim to the development decisions affecting that ecosystem including management of the resources ;

The third goal of the said Philippine Agenda 21 as stated that Ecological integrity is protected and maintained to provide every Filipino a clean natural and man-made environment and a productive natural resource base that will provide opportunities for leisure and a healthy, productive life and the seventh goal of the Millennium Development Goals stated as to ensure environmental sustainability must be promoted and observed;

The United Nations Millennium Declaration, Article IV, Section 21 statesthat We must spare no effort to free all of humanity, and above all our children and grandchildren, from the threat of living on a planet irredeemably spoilt by human activities, and whose resources would no longer be sufficient for their needs. ;

On Public Accountability:

Article XI, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine States that: Public Office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be

accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility,integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives. ; In Article II, Section 4a of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is statedthat the prime duty of the Government is to serve an d protect the

people. ;

In Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is statedthat t he maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty,

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Appeal to the Barangay Council to oppose the expansion plan of SM City Baguio

and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. ;

In Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is statedthat the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among th em.

In Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is statedthat the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

In Republic Act 7160, Book III, Title I. Section 384, the Role of theBarangay is stated as the basic political unit, the barangay serves as the

primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.

In Republic Act 7160, Book I, Title I. Section 16, the General Welfare isprovided that eve ry local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and

enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities,improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice,

promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

In Republic Act 7610, Book III, Title I, Section 398, the Powers of theBarangay Assembly are cited in the following:

a) Initiate legislative processes by recommending to the sangguniang barangay the adoption of measures for the welfare of the barangay and the city or municipality concerned.;

b) Decide on the adoption of initiative as a legal process whereby the registered voters of the barangay may directly propose, enact, or amend any ordinance.

II. The Issue to be Addressed

On June 14, 2012, the Management of the Mall SM City Baguio formallyexpressed its desire to build a three story building in a forested areawithin its compound at Luneta Hill resulting into the cutting and/oruprooting of 182 Mature Trees.

The said Mall obtained an Environmental Compliance Certificate withTree-cutting permits from the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

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Appeal to the Barangay Council to oppose the expansion plan of SM City Baguio

In consideration the environmental impact in case this scenario happenswould be devastating to the well-being of the residents the City as well asthe visitors of the said locality affecting breathable air, the stability of the land in the area, the water supply in the area, and the flow of water in times of heavy rain thus air pollution, landslides, scarcity on water supply, and floods as well as infusing a culture of materialism, corporate greed, and alienating capitalism.

It is concluded that the welfare of the people is directly affected and threatened if SM City Baguio would successfully push through with its

plan and schemes.

As a result, since January of 2012, various civic groups and concerned citizens conducted protests and established movements to oppose the said agenda of SM City Baguio and advance institutional viability,collaboration, and cooperation from both governmental and non- governmental organizations to protect the environment and most of all the welfare of the people.

III. The Appeal

It is earnestly sought that local officials elected by the people would stand

with the people in their plight in protecting the environment to protect the well-being of the residents and other inhabitants of Baguio City.

We are asking your Honorable Council to:

a) Be Involved and Support the Opposition to the Schemes/Plans of SMCity Baguio regarding the planned expansion by promulgating aresolution stating herein the said opposition;

b) To be integrated in the City-wide campaign against the said plannedexpansion by SM City Baguio; and

c) To join in filling a case against the Secretary of DENR and otherGovernment and Non-government Officials and Entities involved.

IV. Closing Statement

We inherited a City of Pines from Baguios pioneers - what kind of Baguio are we passing on to our children and the generations to come?

Petitioned by:

____________________________________ Honorable Eduard Aung Colod Kyu Jr.Kagawad and Chairperson of the Sports Prog. & Community Immersion TaskforceSangguniang KabataanBarangay Holy Ghost Extension, Baguio City, Philippines

Attached: Resolution No. 7 of Barangay Lower Quirino Hill