BAGUIO CITY — The Summer Capital of the Philippines’ landing No. 6 in a global database firm’s list of safest cities in Southeast Asia was the result of the collective efforts of the locals, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has said.
“It is a collective effort of the people of Baguio. Our collective effort is being recognized outside the city,” Domogan said in a late afternoon media briefing Wednesday.
“We have to express our commendation to all those who have contributed to this, especially to our BCPO (Baguio City Police Office) and employees, volunteers, barangay officials, barangay tanods, and all people who make the city of Baguio a peaceful city for all of us,” he added.
The mayor said the city government’s programs should continue to trickle down to the barangay level.
“The barangays should also make safety always a priority in their development programs,” he added.
Earlier, Domogan recognized the efforts of the police and the thousands of local volunteers who offer help not only in maintaining peace and order during special occasions and peak tourism season but even on ordinary days.
Baguio City ranked sixth among the Safest Cities in Southeast Asia (SEA) in 2018 with a record of 58.38 safety index, according to Numbeo, the world’s largest crowd-sourced database firm that collects data from consumer prices to perceived crime rates and quality of health care in various cities worldwide.
Based on the survey, Singapore bagged the top spot, followed by Metro Manila’s Valenzuela City on the second spot with a rating of 74.79.
Third was Chiang Mai, Thailand, followed by the Philippines’ Davao on the fourth with a rating of 71.21, and Makati on the fifth with 60.44.
Bali, Indonesia tailed Baguio City, ranking seventh; followed by Cebu at No. 8 with 55.72 rating; Penang, Malaysia at No. 9; and Bangkok, Thailand on the 10th spot.
Baguio’s chief cop, Senior Supt. Ramil Saculles, said the city’s police force finds the ranking “overwhelming,” but ensured the continuous improvement of public safety services in the country’s City of Pines.
“Our personnel always wear their vest. There is a strong (police) presence in the streets, which I believe is the strongest point of BCPO. And our programs are geared toward genuine transformation,” Saculles said. ( Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
