BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
Engineer Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan Jr., a congressional candidate in Baguio City, is prioritizing river pollution as one of his key platforms in the May 2025 elections.
During a campaign visit to Barangay Loakan Proper on April 28, Cosalan shared fond memories of his childhood around Loakan Airport.
“That gate was very memorable to me. There were many springs along the runway. We used to get so excited about even the smallest body of water, thinking it was a river—though really, it was just a canal,” he said.
Cosalan expressed concern over the worsening pollution in local waterways. “One of our biggest challenges now is that our bodies of water are extremely polluted. According to studies, the pollution levels in the Bued and Balili rivers are alarming,” he added.
He believes that stronger legislation and coordination among residents are essential to reversing the damage.
“What we need to do is update the city charter from 1909. It’s outdated and doesn’t reflect Baguio’s current needs,” Cosalan mentioned.
If elected, Cosalan plans to propose amendments to the city charter in Congress.
He emphasized that the issue goes beyond environmental protection, it’s also about the future of Baguio City.
