Baguio barangays gear up for habagat

BAGUIO CITY — The local government of Baguio through the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) Baguio revealed on Monday that at least 128 barangays of Baguio City have begun preparations as the habagat, or rainy season, prevails in the country.

ABC Baguio president Rocky Aliping said officials in every barangay are establishing and implementing mitigating measures in anticipation of heavy rains and typhoons.

He stressed that the disaster risk reduction management functions of the barangays have been activated.

Aliping said appropriate screens and other necessary materials to prevent waste from clogging canals and waterways have already been installed.

He added that additional screens are positioned in canals leading to the City Camp Lagoon, which has flooded in the past during the rainy season due to garbage and other debris blocking the waterway.

The ABC Baguio president cited that aside from monitoring, barangay officials are continuing information campaigns to educate residents about avoiding the disposal of waste in the city’s canals and waterways.

Barangay local government units are also assessing dead trees and tree branches for necessary trimming or cutting to prevent potential accidents during strong weather disturbances.