Dec. 1, 2020 - Yuletide celebration in the city officially began Dec. 1 ushered in by the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Session Road rotunda at 6PM.
Mayor Benjie Magalong, in his message during the program, said that while the city gets into the spirit of the season, it will strive to make the celebration safe and healthy on account of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"We will do it for one reason and that is because we love our family, our close friends, our neighbors, our city and all those coming to celebrate with us," he said.
Addressing the apparent breach in health and safety protocols during the program which attracted a sizeable crowd, the mayor said he is taking full responsibility for the incident.
"It is unfortunate but please do not blame anyone other than me as your mayor," he said.
He said the city's celebration will be guided by the COVID safety protocols issued by the national government and this will include prohibitions on some traditional activities like caroling and family and clan reunions.
Simbang gabi will be allowed but with limitations, he said.
"Let's not be complacent. Let's not allow ourselves to slacken or slide back to our careless ways," he said as he called on the people to continue adhering to the safety measures of wearing masks, observing physicial distancing, proper handwashing and sanitizing.
Let us keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from this virus as we commemorate the birth of Christ, he said.
Gradual Reopening of Baguio Night Market
Dec. 1, 2020 - The Night Market activity has resumed along Harrison Road on December 1, from 8:30PM to 11PM only.
About 481 stalls or only 45 percent of the original vending slots were allowed to open in consideration of the basic health protocols particularly physical distancing.
Members of the Public Order and Safety Division and Baguio City Police Office monitor the area and remind everyone to maintain physical distancing, proper usage of face mask and face shield.
Mayor suspends night market run due to crowd control lapses
Dec. 2, 2020 - Mayor Benjamin Magalong suspended the operation of the night market which reopened just last night after apparent lapses in crowd control.
The mayor directed City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias and Market superintendent Fernando Ragma Jr. to immediately organize a meeting and conduct a post-night market assessment to evaluate the incident.
"Identify our weak points and vulnerabilities and discuss solutions. I want feedback as soon as possible," the mayor said.
The city pursued the resumption of the reopening of the night market as part of the thrust to reopen the economy and restore the livelihood of the displaced vendors following the Coronavirus disease pandemic.
However he said that reopening businesses should not mean sacrificing the health and safety of the people and setting aside the health protocols against the virus.
"We must strike a balance between reopening the economy and safeguarding the health and safety of the people. This is our new normal direction." the mayor said.
Source: APR/PIO Baguio
