Date: December 5, 2008
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City
The Faces and Challenges of Migration: The Baguio-Cordillera Experience
The AIM Policy Center (in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation), in partnership with the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), and the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) convened a conference focused on the theme: “The Faces and Challenges of Migration: The Baguio-Cordillera Experience”.
The conference, held on December 5, 2008 at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza in Baguio City, sought discuss and, hopefully, address the concerns of the region on the issue of migration, particularly internal (rural-to-urban) migration. The gathering was the second in a series of sub-regional conferences, following a parallel conference for the Central and Northern Mindanao Region, held in Cagayan de Oro City last November 20.
Prior to the conference proper, a consultation with local stakeholders took place last October 6 at the St. Louis University Baguio, during which the issues that emerged were the growing population of Baguio City, particularly as a result of in-migration, and its effects on the city’s sustainability. The development of the surrounding municipalities in the Cordillera region, specifically La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, and Tuba, was seen as a possible solution to decongest the city. Also proposed for discussion were issues related to the impact on the culture of the Cordillerans as a result of in-migration, especially with regard to Baguio was an educational center.
Underlying the discussion and reflections during the conference was the historical background of Baguio City. The city was established during the American occupation of the Philippines, and was designed for an estimated population of 40,000. Over the years, however, due to the city’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and an education hub, the population grew and the city is now host to approximately 300,000 residents and transients.
Mr. Ronaldo Rogel, a licensed urban planner and a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños gave a presentation on migration and the urban landscape change of Baguio City using old photographs and videos of Baguio taken by his father, a photographer for the military and the first to establish a photo shop along Session Road.
The next speaker was Ms. Lourie Victor of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples. Like Professor Rogel, Ms. Victor is also a proud Cordilleran. She explained the two-way impact of rural-to-urban migration in the region. Baguio as a host to students and tourists is apparent. However, another dimension which has not been widely studied is how returning students are influenced by their experiences in the city, and in turn take back these influences, which then impact on the culture of their towns of origin.
Following these enlightening presentations was a panel discussion among representatives from different sectors concerned with the Cordillera migration issue. They were Dr. Aurora Quiray, regional director of the Commission on Population-CAR; Mr. Bienvenido Baquirin, Jr. of the Mayor’s office-Baguio City; Professor Angel Guimbatan of the office of Rep. Mauricio Domogan of the Lone District of Baguio; Dr. Virgie Akiate, chief of the Commission on Higher Education- CAR; and Ms. Geraldine Cacho, chairperson of Tongtongan Ti Umili- Multi Sectoral Alliance.
Baguio’s highest officials were also present to address the participants.
Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. welcomed the conference delegates in the morning, while Congressman Mauricio Domogan delivered the keynote address, expounding on House Bill 2813, which he has sponsored and filed in Congress, seeking to revise the Charter of the City of Baguio.
The audience participated in the open forum with Congressman Domogan and later through workshop group discussions on the impact of migration on the urban and cultural landscapes of Baguio and the region.
What resulted was a successful formation of a technical working group and the request by local stakeholders for follow up activities.
Other speakers who took part in the programme were Atty. Mabel Arias of IDEALS for the Opening Remarks, Mr. Adelfo Briones of the Ateneo School of Government for the Conference Overview, Atty. Julyn Ambito for the Synthesis and Dean Reynaldo Bautista of St. Louis University, the group’s local partner, for the Closing Remarks. Ms. Jesselynn de la Cruz of the AIM Policy Center acted as Master of Ceremonies and Moderator for the workshops.
Partners : Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP)
Local Partner: St. Louis University (SLU)
Conference Overview (.pdf)
Mr. Adelfo Briones
Ateneo School of Government Migration and Urban Landscape Change in Baguio (.pdf)
Professor Ronaldo Rogel
UP Los Baños Migration, Education and the Cordillera Cultural Landscape: Memories, Reflections and Challenges (.pdf)
Ms. Lourie Victor
CBCP Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples Keynote Address (House Bill 2813) (.pdf)
Congressman Mauricio Domogan
Lone District of Baguio