BAGUIO CITY — Members of the Baguio City Council is in the process of passing an ordinance to declare Baguio as a "Character City" and adopting its character City programs.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr. stated that it shall be a policy of the local government to adopt a character-based approach in governance where each and every citizen, community leaders, government officials and employees, are models or exemplars of good character. Cosalan said that the main purpose of the legislation is the elevation, advancement, promotion and development of Baguio as a Character City.

The ordinance mandated the creation of the Baguio City Character Council that will be designated by the City Mayor through an Executive or Administrative order with a term of three years unless revoked earlier. It will be composed of the City Mayor as the chairperson, other representatives from the government and non-government and civil society organizations and individuals.

Among the functions of the council include the promotion of values towards attaining the vision and mission of the local government as a Character City; develop programs and recommend actions for the improvement of the operations and implementation of the Character City programs; conduct, coordinate and supervise orientation, workshops, seminars, trainings, conferences, conventions, year-end assessment and summits on character development among others; organize and manage the celebration of the Character City Week which is set every third week of September; institutionalize the Character program; and formulate the manual on character building and development.

Cosalan said the role of character has always been the key factor in the rise and fall of nations. It is the only effective bullwork against internal and external forces that lead to a country's dis-integration or collapse. He said the mission of the Baguio Character Council is to make Baguio a God-loving and God-fearing City with determined leaders in partnership with self-reliant and disciplined citizenry by strengthening the ethical and spiritual values and develop the moral character of the populace.