By: Vanessa Bugtong
With the expected influx of tourists in Baguio City this Holy Week, authorities are not only tightening security but also monitoring illegal services being offered in public parks, as well as addressing concerns about garbage disposal.
Anne Bernos and her family chose to travel to Baguio early to avoid the holiday rush.
Like many, they look forward to spending time in parks, though Anne noted how crowded it was last year. “You couldn’t really appreciate the beauty of Baguio,” she shared.
Aside from the crowds, visitors like Vincent Bernos observed individuals offering services such as massages inside the parks. “Some approach us, but I don’t entertain those offering massages,” he said.
According to City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Chief Atty. Rhenan Diwas, these services are not permitted by the city government. “We have not allowed any vendors or service providers within the inner lakes. If services are being offered there, they are not sanctioned,” he emphasized.
CEPMO and other city agencies are closely coordinating to ensure that illegal activities are minimized. “We met with security personnel to address these activities, and we’re asking tourists and park-goers not to transact with unauthorized vendors,” Diwas added.
He also pointed out the need to manage waste generation during the long weekend. “We’ve doubled or tripled our garbage strategy to prepare for the tourist influx,” he said.
City officials assure the public that the observance of Holy Week in Baguio will be orderly and well-managed.
