07/10/2026
Mayor Benjamin Magalong recently convened representatives of the Baguio City Advisory Council (BCAC) and the Baguio People’s Council (BPC) to discuss the implementation of 17 projects flagged for monitoring under the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC).
Representing the BCAC were Chair Marie Venus Tan, Edgardo Nevada, and Helen Tibaldo, while the BPC was represented by chair Marlene B. De Castro, Melody Carullo and Sohl De Guia.
The meeting focused on the issues affecting the implementation of the projects and possible measures to address delays and facilitate their completion.
The flagged projects involve various public infrastructure undertakings, including the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and completion of roads, schools, barangay multipurpose halls, and watershed-related facilities.
The participants noted that the implementation status of the projects showed improvement from the second to the third quarter, but emphasized the need for continued monitoring and timely intervention on projects that remain behind schedule.
A key recommendation was for projects under monitoring to be categorized according to their level of concern—Early Warning, ICU, or Terminal Stage—during discussions. This would allow the concerned offices and stakeholders to determine the appropriate intervention based on the urgency and extent of the implementation problem.
Among the common factors cited for project delays were poor contractor performance, lack of funds or manpower, contractors handling multiple projects, and adverse weather conditions.
The group discussed a graduated approach to addressing these concerns, beginning with dialogue with contractors to determine the causes of delays and agree on corrective measures.
Where necessary, problem-solving sessions may be conducted with the implementing office, contractor, and other concerned agencies that could provide technical or other assistance.
Termination of contracts may also be considered when appropriate and when available remedies have been exhausted, subject to applicable rules and regulations.
An important recommendation was the possible involvement of the BCAC and BPC in the continuing monitoring of the flagged projects, including participation, when appropriate, in dialogues with concerned offices and contractors.
Their involvement would provide an additional citizen-level mechanism for monitoring commitments, following up on agreed corrective actions, and keeping attention on projects intended to benefit communities.
The participation of citizen groups in monitoring also supports the principle of transparency in governance, where implementation concerns are discussed openly and stakeholders are given opportunities to provide feedback and participate in problem-solving.
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