A COUNCILOR pushed for stricter protocols and standards for tourism operations following an accident in Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, which resulted in seven fatalities.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, Sept. 23, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz said tourism is vital for the development of the city, but safety is still paramount.
“Our waterfalls, mountains, and rivers attract thousands of visitors, but they also carry risks, especially in critical watershed areas prone to sudden flash floods and landslides,” he said.
Mini Asik-Asik Falls is part of the Talomo River Watershed System, which has been declared a danger zone due to its vulnerability to landslides and rockfalls.
The Panigan-Tamugan ordinance is already in place as a model for how high-risk areas such as Mini Asik-asik should be regulated.
“By strengthening enforcement, clarifying boundaries, and ensuring that tourism operators adhere strictly to environmental and safety standards, we can safeguard all lives and livelihoods,” Ortiz said.
She acknowledged that the city has long been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, citing several ordinances.
This includes the Watershed Protection, Conservation, and Management Ordinance or the Watershed Code, which protects the city’s critical watersheds and instituted Barangay Watershed Management Councils.
In addition, she mentioned the Panigan-Tamugan Sub-Watershed Ordinance, which strictly regulates activities in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed, from land conversion to tourism activities.
The policies, she said, are the city’s proactive stance to protect the critical water source that provides the whole city.
The city’s Land Use Plan (2019–2028) and its corresponding zoning ordinance are the basis for categorizing city lands and designating conservation areas, critical watershed zones, and areas for tourism development.
“These policies are intended to ensure that development proceeds with due regard for public safety, environmental sustainability, and risk reduction. Yet, despite these ordinances, a tragedy occurred,” she said.
“Are our ordinances being efficiently enforced on the ground? Are the Barangay Watershed Councils functional and empowered? Are residents and tourists fully aware of the danger zones? Do tourism practices reflect the limitations imposed by the Land Use Plan and the Watershed Code?” Ortiz stressed.
The committee chair on tourism and beautification proposed stricter enforcement of existing ordinances, public awareness campaigns, tourism regulations in critical watershed zones, real-time monitoring and early warning, review of land-use classification and accountability, and penalties.
“Protecting our environment is not only ideal, it is a moral imperative of our watershed, waterfalls, and rivers are treasures, but they can also be deadly if we disregard the laws meant to protect them,” she stressed.
The councilor added that commerce and tourism are balanced with public safety and environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus emphasized that enforcement protocols should not only be observed at Mini Asik-Asik Falls, and to all identified tourist destinations.
Mahipus also passed a corollary resolution extending condolences to the bereaved families of victims of the falls accident.
