prospective baro, daan, ket ania man ba i s b v igbue o POLLS, FEATURES, USEFUL INFORMATION FEBRUARY 2025 WE DO OUR BEST TO GIVE YOU AUTHENTIC BAGUIO FEELS, THE OVERALL FEELING OR ATMOSPHERE OF BAGUIO CITY AS CAPTURED AND DOCUMENTED BY OUR VOLUNTEERS AND EDITORIAL TEAM. WE DO SIMPLE, TRANSPARENT, COMMONSENSE POLLS AND SURVEYS TO SUPPORT OUR CITY. VOL 1 NUMBER 1 AMPLIFYING VOICES: ONLINE SURVEYS AS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN BAGUIO In today's digital age, online surveys have emerged as a powerful tool for fostering community participation and gathering valuable insights from residents. For Baguio City, leveraging online surveys can be particularly beneficial in understanding the diverse needs and perspectives of its community. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Online surveys offer a convenient and accessible way for residents to share their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes. Unlike traditional methods like town hall meetings or paper surveys, online platforms allow individuals to participate from the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace. This increased accessibility can be particularly important in reaching diverse segments of the population, including those who may have mobility challenges, time constraints, or other barriers to participation. Wider Reach and Representation: Online surveys have the potential to reach a wider audience compared to traditional methods. By utilizing social media, email lists, and other online channels, the city can engage a larger and more representative sample of the population. This can lead to more comprehensive and accurate data, reflecting the diverse needs and perspectives of the entire community. Anonymity and Honest Feedback: Online surveys anonymity, can offer encouraging a degree residents of to provide honest and candid feedback. This can be especially important when dealing with sensitive topics or issues where individuals may feel hesitant to express their opinions openly in a public setting. Anonymity can empower residents to share their true feelings and experiences, leading to more authentic and valuable data.
a ui s FEBRUARY 2025 VOL 1 NUMBER 1 ONLINE SURVEYS AS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION (CONT’D) Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency: Compared to traditional methods, online surveys are often more cost-effective and efficient. They eliminate the need for printing, postage, and manual data entry, saving both time and resources. This allows the city to allocate resources more strategically and focus on analyzing the data and implementing solutions based on the findings. Real-Time Data and Analysis: Online survey platforms often provide real-time data and analysis tools, allowing city officials to track responses and identify trends as they emerge. This can be invaluable in understanding the evolving needs of the community and making timely decisions. The ability to analyze data quickly and efficiently can also help the city to identify areas where further investigation or action is needed. Enhancing Community Engagement: Online surveys can be used to engage residents in a variety of ways, from gathering feedback on proposed policies to identifying community priorities and assessing satisfaction with city services. By providing residents with a platform to share their opinions and contribute to decision-making, online surveys can foster a sense of ownership and empower them to play an active role in shaping the future of their city. By embracing online surveys as a tool for community participation, Baguio City can gain valuable insights into the needs and priorities of its residents, foster a sense of ownership and engagement, and make more informed decisions that benefit the entire community. *** Baguio's Heart Speaks: Beneath the surface of this popular tourist destination lies a complex reality, shaped by the everyday experiences and concerns of its residents. A recent survey aimed to capture these "felt and expressed needs," offering valuable insights into the challenges and priorities of the Baguio community. The survey, designed to understand the lived experiences of Baguio residents, focused on key issues they find most relevant for the election candidates to address (ano ang PINAKA IMPORTANTENG ISYU sa iyo na dapat punan o sagutin ng KANDIDATO) before asking who among the candidates would they most likely vote for. The methodology is simple using Google Forms, allowing respondents to answer anonymously, edit their answers and get copies of their own answers as well as see the summary of responses as of the time of their response thus gaining a level of transparency. The survey period is only between February 10-28, 2025. The results painted a picture of a community grappling with both familiar and emerging issues. Per the 2020 census of the Philippine Statistics Authority, total population of Baguio City is 366,358 so according to the sample size calculator, the minimum respondents should be 384 for a 5% margin of error. As of press time, there are 137 respondents with still (thus a Margin of error: 8.20% ) with still 9 days to go. Survey Reveals Residents' Felt and Expressed Needs Gender distribution so far is 49.6% female and 50.4 % male. consistent with the PSA figures survey survey PSA Age range distribution: 36% come from 25-34 yo+ 25% of 35-44 y.o. and 18% for 45-54 y.o. and 8% of 18-24 + 13% of 55+ [total 82% of 18-55+ years]--Again, consistent with PSA’s 15-64 (working age group) at 70%. PSA survey majority of respondents are college level educated and with even post graduate levels, indicating a more criticalthinking demographic
a is FEBRUARY 2025 VOL 1 NUMBER 1 Partial Survey Results Reveals Current Standing of May Election Candidates Disclaimer: partial only, survey continues until Feb 28, 2025 The Power of Participation: Moving Forward Together This survey underscores the importance of community participation in shaping the future of Baguio City. By giving residents a platform to voice their concerns and express their needs, we can create a more inclusive and responsive city. The data collected serves as a valuable tool for building a Baguio that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its people.
a ui s The Power of Participation: Moving Forward Together This survey underscores the importance of community participation in shaping the future of Baguio City. FEBRUARY 2025 VOL 1 NUMBER 1 Resonating issues include 1. LAND/PROPERTY (23.5%), 2. GRAFT & CORRUPTION (17.6%) and 3. Overcrowding ties up with Public Health at (14.7 %) 4. Solid waste/ Wastewater (8.8%) The insights gleaned from this survey are not just numbers and statistics; they represent the real-life experiences and aspirations of Baguio residents. They provide a crucial roadmap for policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to address the community's most pressing needs. By giving residents a platform to voice their concerns and express their needs, we can create a more inclusive and responsive city. The data collected serves as a valuable tool for building a Baguio that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its people. Baguio City, renowned for its cool mountain air and vibrant culture, faces a growing challenge that threatens its unique character: a complex web of land issues impacting residents' lives. From ancestral domain claims to the pressures of urban sprawl, the city grapples with a legacy of conflicting interests and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. 4 One of the most pressing concerns revolves around ancestral land claims and indigenous rights. Baguio's unique history, including its status as a townsite reservation and its exemption from the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), has created a complex legal landscape. Indigenous Ibaloi residents often face significant hurdles in proving their claims to ancestral lands, particularly the requirement of demonstrating "open, continuous, and actual possession." This struggle to balance development with the rights of indigenous communities to their ancestral heritage remains a central challenge for the city.
a ui s Adding to the complexity is the issue of overcrowding and urban sprawl. Baguio's limited land area and mountainous terrain exacerbate the problem, leading to traffic congestion, housing shortages, and increased pressure on already strained resources. Unplanned development and land conversion have resulted in the loss of vital green spaces, increasing the risk of landslides and other environmental disasters. Land ownership disputes and the security of land records also plague the city. Conflicting claims, often stemming from unclear boundaries or incomplete records, can lead to protracted legal battles. The vulnerability of traditional paper-based land records to damage or manipulation further complicates the situation, highlighting the need for a more secure and transparent system. Environmental degradation is another significant concern. Deforestation due to land conversion threatens the city's vital watersheds, impacting water security and biodiversity. Protecting these crucial natural resources while accommodating development remains a delicate balancing act. FEBRUARY 2025 VOL 1 NUMBER 1 These intertwined land issues cast a long shadow over Baguio's future, impacting residents' security, livelihoods, and overall quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening land governance, protecting ancestral lands, promoting sustainable development, improving land use planning, and enhancing accessibility to land information. Only through a concerted effort can Baguio City hope to untangle this complex web of land issues and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for all its residents. *** The high cost of land in Baguio City creates affordability challenges for many residents, forcing some into informal settlements or outside the city limits. Limited access to land information, especially for those in remote areas or without internet access, further complicates matters. Outdated land use plans and zoning regulations, coupled with enforcement challenges, contribute to unplanned development and exacerbate existing land issues. The city's ability to effectively manage land use and prevent illegal construction or land conversion is crucial for its sustainable future. 5
a ui s FEBRUARY 2025 Baguio Vibes: More Than Just Cool Air BAGUIO CITY. The name conjures images of crisp mountain air, the scent of pine trees, and the vibrant colors of a bustling marketplace. But "Baguio vibes" are more than just a picturesque postcard. It's an intangible feeling, a unique blend of nature, culture, and community that draws people back time and time again. It's a feeling you understand the moment you step off the bus and breathe in the refreshing air. Of course, no trip to Baguio is complete without visiting the iconic landmarks. Burnham park, the city's heart, offers a tranquil escape with its swan boats and vibrant flower displays. A leisurely stroll along Session Road, the city's main thoroughfare, provides a glimpse into Baguio's urban pulse, lined with shops, restaurants, and the historic Baguio Cathedral. For panoramic views, Mines View Park never disappoints, offering a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains and valleys. And who could resist the charm of #campjohnhay, with its sprawling pine forests, historical sites, and recreational activities? But the true "Baguio vibes" lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. It's in the quiet moments spent appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds the city. A hike through the trails of the Philippine Military Academy offers a peaceful retreat into nature, while a visit to the #BaguioBotanicalGarden provides a serene escape amidst diverse flora. The cool mountain air invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself. Baguio's vibrant culture also plays a crucial role in shaping its unique "vibes." The city is a melting pot of indigenous traditions and modern influences. A visit to the Tam-awan Village, a reconstructed Ifugao village, offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region's indigenous people. The BenCab Museum showcases the works of National Artist Ben Cabrera and other Filipino artists, highlighting the city's thriving art scene. And during the Panagbenga Festival, the city explodes with color and energy, celebrating the abundance of flowers that bloom in the region. The vibrant costumes, elaborate floats, and infectious music perfectly encapsulate the festive "Baguio vibe." Beyond the sights and sounds, the true "Baguio vibes" are found in the warmth and hospitality of its people. The locals, known for their friendly and welcoming nature, add a special touch to the Baguio experience. Whether you're chatting with a vendor at the public market, sharing a meal with a local family, or simply exchanging smiles with passersby, you'll feel a sense of belonging and connection that makes Baguio feel like home. 6 VOL 1 NUMBER 1 Beyond the sights and sounds, the true "Baguio vibes" are found in the warmth and hospitality of its people. The locals, known for their friendly and welcoming nature, add a special touch to the Baguio experience. Whether you're chatting with a vendor at the public market, sharing a meal with a local family, or simply exchanging smiles with passersby, you'll feel a sense of belonging and connection that makes Baguio feel like home. And then there are the smaller moments, the simple joys that contribute to the overall "Baguio vibe." It's sipping a warm cup of tsokolate de batirol by a cozy fireplace, indulging in freshly picked strawberries from a local farm, or simply enjoying the cool breeze while watching the sunset over the mountains. These seemingly small experiences create lasting memories and contribute to the unique charm of Baguio. So, what are "Baguio vibes"? It's more than just a destination; it's an experience. It's the feeling of tranquility amidst nature, the celebration of culture and heritage, the warmth of community, and the simple joys that make life worth living. It's a feeling that stays with you long after you've left, beckoning you to return and experience the magic of Baguio once again. ***
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