Law to establish Metro Baguio Development Authority 

A new law wlll form the Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority.

Republic Act (RA) 11932 lapsed into law on July 30, creating MBLISTTDA as a government agency with corporate powers that will provide basic metro-wide services without diminishing the LGUs' autonomy on local matters.  

Under the new law, Baguio City and the neighboring towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay will be assigned as a special development and administrative area. The MBLISTTDA will be placed under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines.  

Baguio Rep, Mark Go, who sponsored the law, said MBLISTTDA will foster sustainable development in Baguio City and the municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay in Benguet.  It will also promote the efficient delivery of basic services, he said.

"The city of Baguio and the municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay have so much to offer for the growth of business, agriculture and tourism. With the passage of time, however, the problems of the environment, tourism, traffic, water supply, waste management and the provision of basic services have become more evident," Go said.  

The MBLISTTDA will centralize and oversee the development efforts and initiatives that address the challenges within the area.  

Aside from planning the use of infrastructure, transport and traffic management, the MBLISTTDA shall perform medium- and long-term development responsibilities, including urban renewal, land use planning, housing and shelter; solid waste disposal and management; flood control and sewerage management, water resource management system; health, sanitation and pollution control; public safety and order; and tourism.  

A MBLISTTDA Council will be formed to create policies for the metro area. The council will be composed of the Benguet governor and the mayors of Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay as ex-officio voting members.  

"Through the MBLISTTDA, the principle of synergy would be emphasized when towns in a contiguous area could achieve more by planning and implementing together. This is the convergence of the cities and municipalities for a common purpose, complimentary support with each other, cooperation by sharing their resources and active collaboration," Go said.  

"Through the years, we have been experiencing issues and concerns related to urban development, resource management, health, and the environment. With the establishment of MBLISTTDA, we can tackle these issues collectively, planning and addressing them in a holistic and inclusive manner. With unity, we will be able to plan, strategize, and work together for the betterment of our locales," he said.