29/01/2025
We're always excited to see our city grow and blossom!
We are inspirited to continue improving and looking forward to provide a Baguio-welcome to both our local and foreign visitors! Baguio City continues to amaze as it blossoms with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're here to enjoy the cool weather, explore local markets, or experience the rich history, there's always something new to discover in the Summer Capital of the Philippines!
๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ข๐ช๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ก ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ณ
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has enumerated the city's programs and initiatives in its pursuit of a smart city status in 2027 which he said are aligned with the vision of creating a livable, inclusive and creative city.
In his talk during the 5th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Summit held in Cotabato City last January 16, 2025, the mayor said the digitalization programs are being pursued side by side with sustainable urban development initiatives to make the city future-ready, enhance public service and improve the quality of life.
โOur decision to transform Baguio City into a Smart City is aligned with our vision of a smart, green, and sustainable city with the ultimate goal of improving the urban quality of life. (As a smart city, we aim to have) better public health and social systems, cleaner and more sustainable environment, enhance social connectedness, efficient mobility system, public safety and security; and enhance governance,โ the mayor said.
He also emphasized the need to combine technological advancements with responsible and transparent leadership and active public involvement to maximize their benefits to the community.
He said the establishment of the smart city system began with the construction of the Smart City Command Center through the P200 million fund from the national government. It was inaugurated in September 2021.
The command center runs on CISCO technology and it involves collecting, analyzing, and using large amounts of data from various sources including sensor data which can be used to monitor and improve the performance of various city systems such as traffic, energy, and environment; GIS which includes data related to the cityโs geography, such as maps, satellite images, and demographics used to gain insights into the cityโs infrastructure and identify areas where improvements can be made; government includes data collected from various government agencies that can be used to improve public safety and emergency response ;and weather which includes data related to weather conditions that can be used to improve the efficient use of energy and plan for extreme weather events.
โThis will initially help us manage the cityโs assets and resources, and provide a more efficient and effective service to the public by monitoring our crime index, traffic, greening program and recovery, automated weather station, digital care management system, flood early warning system, and air quality index,โ the mayor said.
The mayor said the command center has been upgraded with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at city entry points and the Central Business District for enhanced safety and security enabling the use of real-time traffic data. It also includes health dashboards for dengue, pertussis, CoVid 19, and morbidity offering crucial insights for managing public health.
The cityโs Baguio 911 system has expanded its reach with Smart and PLDT and now Globe and TM subscribers now having direct access to the 911 helpline. Emergency response efficiency also drastically improved reducing response times across critical services.
Other smart city strategies:
*Baguio in My Pocket (BIMP is an app that will offer digital access to government services transactions and cashless payments. We envision that soon it will be able to support transactions, emergency and calamity notifications, as well as real-time information dissemination. Through this application, we will be able to use the Paleng QR PH Program of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
*eBPLS or Automated Business Permitting System enhances our services by simplifying processes to provide ease and convenience to the transacting public.
*BuildPASS was launched in 2021 as an online client-centered program that streamlines the application process for construction permits. With BuildPASS, a virtual space is provided to the applicant allowing them to submit all the requirements needed by various offices at once. The system is capable of providing real time monitoring and tracking of applications; real time messaging between evaluator and applicants; simultaneous evaluation of offices; one-time assessment; and minimal face-to-face interaction.
*WorkPASS is a system that makes it easier for individuals to secure the necessary permits to work legally. Applicants can start their application online, which reduces the need for in-person visits. This approach enhances the convenience for both employees and businesses. Establishments can ensure compliance with local regulations while providing a straightforward way for their employees to obtain working permits.
*Project MINERVA was developed in collaboration with the Dept. of Science and Technology, Asian Institute of Management and University of the Philippines and is actively collecting data on population, air, and water quality, and other essential urban indicators.
*GPS technology was integrated into police vehicles for faster response times. Additionally, weโve completed the integration of CCTV systems with BCPO and CDRRMO, which significantly improves our ability to monitor and respond to crime, traffic, and natural disasters.
*WeGo collaboration with South Korea will advance the safe city programs with a smart city platform using data-driven algorithms and GIS mapping, shifting away from manual surveillance.
*Digital twin is a dynamic, up-to-date virtual model of the physical assets of the City that can serve as a platform where planning, decision-making, and community engagements for the future will take place. As a tool for community engagement, it is shareable and ready for virtual technologies.
โWith the Digital Twin, citizens can view and interact with the proposed development goals of the city, how transportation and mobility shall provide the necessary connection at the fastest and most comfortable mode, and how economic development shall spread not only within the city but also to its neighboring municipalities and the region creating a livable community. Moreover, this Digital Twin will help us in auditing the city, its people, and resources in order to develop a viable and equitable solution through the updated city land use plan and zoning code,โ the mayor explained.
โThe digital twin can be incorporated with a layer on the type, magnitude, and diversity of business enterprises in the city. The city development framework can thus use this information to guide business and entrepreneurship support to its citizens as well as to investors.โ
Moreover, the digital twin can monitor disaster risk management as it can handle additional data layers such as natural as well as man-made hazards present in the city and contingency plans can be prudently formulated. Early warning systems are also incorporated into the smart city system as a forewarning of possible disasters.
*Smart City Zero Net Roadmap for 2030 is now being prepared using data analytics and sensing systems to monitor our environment. This aims to adopt the green infrastructure and establish a net zero alliance through an ordinance.
*Intelligent Transportation system is being worked out with the goal of making private cars irrelevant. The Smart Mobility Master Plan will be implemented as an efficient public transport system to ease traffic congestion in the city. It will include the Smart Mobility Application, Traffic Management and Enforcement System, Smart Parking Management System, Smart Public Transport System, Mobility or Congestion Fee. โ Aileen P. Refuerzo
