(Phot by PIA-CAR)
BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City government has intensified its anti-littering campaign by deploying additional park rangers and strengthening monitoring efforts at Burnham Park to maintain cleanliness and discourage improper waste disposal.
The initiative is part of the city’s stricter implementation of its Anti-Littering Ordinance, which aims to protect public health, preserve the environment and ensure clean public spaces for residents and tourists.
The ordinance, officially known as Ordinance No. 54, Series of 1988, as amended by Ordinance No. 59, Series of 2020, is enforced jointly by the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) and deputized barangay officials.
As part of the intensified campaign, CEPMO has deployed park rangers wearing civilian clothes to monitor visitors and apprehend individuals caught littering.
The city government’s initiative has gained support from parkgoers, who believe that stricter enforcement helps reduce littering and encourages responsible waste disposal.
Park visitor Angelica Mae Paggic welcomed the continued implementation of the ordinance, saying it has helped discourage people from improperly disposing of garbage.
She noted that visible enforcement and penalties make violators more cautious and help prevent repeated offenses.
Another visitor, Jerry Ngillod, said the measure is particularly important in areas where groups gather and sometimes leave their trash behind.
He encouraged visitors to use designated garbage bins instead of leaving waste in public spaces.
Under the ordinance, first-time offenders face a Php 1,000 fine or 12 hours of community service.
Local authorities reminded residents and tourists to follow waste disposal regulations and cooperate with park personnel to maintain the cleanliness of Burnham Park.
The city government continues to promote responsible waste management as part of its efforts to preserve Baguio’s public parks and tourist destinations.
