Baguio goes public with sustainability scorecard

BAGUIO CITY — The City Government of Baguio is gearing up to launch its first-ever Sustainable Development Goals Voluntary Local Review (SDG-VLR) on 10 June at Ion Hotel along Legarda Road — a milestone in the city’s ongoing push for inclusive, transparent and sustainable development.

The event, led by the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO), will mark a major step in localizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and measuring Baguio’s progress through a comprehensive, community-rooted lens.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong called the review a landmark moment for the city, saying it reflects Baguio’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable growth.

“This is more than just a report — it’s a clear statement that Baguio City is serious about building a sustainable future,” the mayor said. “We’re laying all the cards on the table and showing exactly where we stand in our journey toward the SDGs.”

The launch is expected to bring together a wide mix of participants — from government agencies and barangay leaders to academics, civil society groups, youth organizations, and other stakeholders. Local government units working on their own SDG-VLRs are also expected to attend, making the event a hub for shared learning and collaboration.

Mayor Magalong encouraged stakeholders to be part of the event, saying their presence would be a powerful show of unity and shared responsibility.

“This is a chance for all of us to come together and see how far we’ve come — and where we still need to go,” he said. “It’s about being honest with ourselves, learning from each other, and moving forward as one community.”

More than just presenting data, the SDG-VLR event aims to spark meaningful conversations among development partners, government leaders, and the public. It’s designed to open up space for new ideas and strengthen partnerships that will help guide Baguio’s long-term development strategies.

“This isn’t just about checking boxes,” Magalong added. “It’s about making sure no one gets left behind as we build a better, more sustainable Baguio.”