Baguio eyes underground utility network to clear skyline, boost safety

BAGUIO CITY — A proposal seeking to move utility and communication lines underground across Baguio City gained initial approval from the Baguio City Council, in a bid to eliminate tangled overhead wires, improve public safety, and modernize the city’s infrastructure.

Authored by Councilor Edison Bilog, the measure mandates the creation of a citywide underground utility and communications system that will cover telecommunications firms, internet service providers, cable operators, electric utilities, fiber optic companies, and other public and private utility providers operating in the city.

The proposal seeks the establishment of a Common Underground Utility Corridor along major roads, tourism areas, business districts, government centers, and other strategic locations. Once the corridor becomes available, utility firms will be required to use it and will no longer be allowed to install new overhead facilities in designated underground zones.

The proposed ordinance also adopts a “dig-once” policy to prevent repeated road excavations by requiring utility companies to coordinate infrastructure projects through the City Engineer’s Office.

Existing overhead lines in priority areas, including major thoroughfares, heritage sites, public parks, and key commercial districts, must be relocated underground within five years, while abandoned and inactive lines must be removed within 180 days from the ordinance’s effectivity.

To enforce compliance, Mr. Bilog also pushed the creation of the Baguio Underground Utilities Management Council that will oversee implementation, monitoring, and policy enforcement. Violators may face fines, permit suspensions, blacklisting, and other sanctions, while companies that complete underground migration ahead of schedule may receive incentives, such as expedited permits and recognition programs.

Mr. Bilog’s proposal was approved on first reading on June 15 and has been referred to the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation, and Traffic Legislation for further review. — Artemio A. Dumlao