The Soul of Baguio Under Siege: Citizens Fight Back Against the 'Mallification' of the Public Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

AN URGENT CALL FROM THE PEOPLE OF BAGUIO: LET THE BAGUIO PUBLIC MARKET BE FOR THE BAGUIO PEOPLE!

The cool, pine-scented air of Baguio City, long a sanctuary for culture, nature, and community commerce, is now thick with the tension of a looming battle. At stake is not just a building, but the very heart and soul of the Summer Capital: the Baguio Public Market. A collective roar from residents, vendors, and allied organizations is rising against the specter of "mallification"—a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and retail giant SM Prime Holdings that threatens to displace the essence of local livelihood in the name of modernization.

This is a unified statement and petition, a desperate appeal to the City Council to protect the city's heritage and its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from being swallowed whole by corporate ambition.

What is "Mallification," and Why Does it Terrify Baguio?

"Mallification" is the process where a public, traditional marketplace is demolished and replaced by a multi-story, concrete commercial structure, often built and operated by a massive corporation under a long-term lease of public land. It is the ultimate expression of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where public need is traded for private profit.

In the case of the Baguio Public Market, the signs are clear and alarming:

The Unsolicited Deal: SM Prime Holdings offered an unsolicited proposal to finance the market's design and development, allegedly because the LGU lacks the necessary funds (an estimated P4.5 billion).

The Corporate Price: The quid pro quo is a colossal trade-off. SM will gain extensive, highly lucrative mall space within the new complex. This space could host its own grocery chain, like SaveMore, and lease areas to businesses that will directly compete with the local vendors it is meant to support. Furthermore, SM will control and operate the paid parking facilities—a guaranteed, high-revenue stream.

The Threat to the Market: Despite some reported revisions to the plan, which suggest a larger, city-operated market portion, the fear persists: a significant section of a public, historically-owned space will be leased for decades (up to 50 years) to a single corporation for commercial gain.

The Critical Questions: A Looming Economic and Cultural Crisis

The people are demanding answers, and the silence from the LGU is deafening. The proposed redevelopment carries catastrophic potential for Baguio's vibrant economy and unique culture:

Stakeholder The Threat The Unanswered Question

Local Vendors & MSMEs Direct competition from a massive SM-owned grocery (like SaveMore) and corporate-leased stalls, potentially siphoning off their customer base and forcing closures. Will the rent in the new, expensive structure remain affordable for local vendors, guaranteeing their survival? The LGU has offered no clear assurance.

Consumers & Residents Higher operating costs for vendors—driven by potentially steeper rents—will inevitably be passed on to the public in the form of higher prices for goods. Will the cost of basic necessities rise, making the market inaccessible to ordinary Baguio folk?

Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Suppliers Any disruption or closure during the prolonged construction phase will sever the supply chain, crippling the livelihoods of those who feed the city. Is there a concrete, sustainable plan to ensure uninterrupted business for suppliers and vendors during the years of redevelopment?

The City’s Identity The construction of a second major mall by the same developer—notorious for the controversy surrounding its first Baguio City location—will irrevocably alter the city's character, exacerbating traffic and overcrowding. Will the new structure truly be pro-environment, pro-people, safe against natural disasters, and preserve the unique Baguio character, or will it be another concrete monument to corporate power?

A Race Against the Clock: The People’s Ultimatum

The Baguio City Council is facing a critical deadline—they have less than 80 days (from the date of this statement) to decide on the PPP proposal.

The unified sentiment is clear: while modernization is necessary—the current market needs repair, fire safety, and improved sanitation—the path forward cannot be through the wholesale sacrifice of public domain and local enterprise. We do not need another SM mall in Baguio. One is enough, and its impact on local business, traffic, and quality of life is already significant.

This is not a debate about progress; it is a battle for the soul of the city, pitting communal ownership against corporate takeover. The citizens of Baguio are calling on their elected officials to prioritize the people over profit.

The call to action is immediate: Question. Demand. Resist!

SHOULD WE STOP THE MALLIFICATION OF THE BAGUIO PUBLIC MARKET? SHOULD WE END THE MALLIFICATION OF BAGUIO CITY? 

The Global Stage Beckons: Philippines Prepares for the 2026 JCI World Congress, Projecting a National Triumph

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Republic of the Philippines is gearing up to host one of the most significant international youth leadership events on the global calendar: the 2026 JCI World Congress. Set to be held from November 11–15, 2026, in the burgeoning international hub of Clark, Pampanga, this prestigious congress is anticipated to bring over 6,000 young global leaders from more than 120 countries, unleashing a powerful wave of economic stimulus and securing the nation’s status as a world-class events destination.

A Global Debut: The ‘Philippine Night’ in Tunisia

The momentum for the 2026 Congress officially began thousands of miles away at the 2025 JCI World Congress in Tunisia. On November 6, 2025, the Philippines staged a vibrant “Philippine Night,” a launch event that captivated 2,500 delegates with a powerful preview of Filipino culture, hospitality, and energy. Supported by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the celebration was not just an announcement—it was a declaration that the nation is ready to embrace the world.

Endorsed from the Highest Levels: A Dual Mandate for National Success

The hosting duties have received high-profile support, underscoring the event’s profound national importance.

Senator Ejercito: A Catalyst for the Economy and National Pride

Senator JV Ejercito, in his dual role as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Tourism and a dedicated JCI member, has championed the congress as an event of dual benefit: tangible economic advancement and an immeasurable boost to national pride.

The Senator stressed that the congress is a major catalyst for the nation's vital tourism sector, calling it fundamental to the national economy and the livelihoods of countless Filipino families.

"This is the nation’s chance to welcome thousands of international visitors and proudly showcase the Philippines’ remarkable landscape and the even more remarkable spirit of its people," Senator Ejercito remarked with confidence. He also highlighted the event’s deeper objective: to fortify a global network of young leaders committed to serving humanity, a mission he believes is more critical than ever before.

TPB: The Signature Brand of Service Excellence

Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, extended a warm welcome to the global JCI community. She framed the congress as a unique opportunity for young changemakers to immerse themselves in the Philippines’ stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and iconic Filipino warmth.

Pledging the TPB's full support, Nograles committed to ensuring every delegate experiences the nation’s signature "Brand of Service Excellence," where hosting is truly an act of heartfelt welcome.

Congress Director: An Unparalleled Showcase

Luis Angelo Sevilla, the World Congress Director, framed the 2026 event as a landmark occasion, poised to be one of the most significant international gatherings the Philippines has ever hosted. With a profound number of the 6,000+ delegates experiencing the country for the first time, the opportunity for national promotion is unparalleled.

“This is more than just a conference; it is an opportunity to show the world the warmth of the Filipino people, the vibrancy of our traditions, and the world-class facilities that make Clark… an emerging global destination,” Sevilla affirmed, highlighting the event’s role as a strategic platform to demonstrate the nation’s defining assets.

Strategic Impact: Fueling the MICE Engine

The selection of Clark is a powerful strategic move, projected to deliver multi-layered benefits:

Impact Category Projected Benefit

1. Direct Economic Stimulus A significant, immediate surge in revenue for the hospitality, food & beverage, and retail sectors from the concentrated influx of 6,000+ international delegates over five days (Nov 11-15, 2026).

2. Showcasing MICE Capabilities The event will serve as a powerful real-world demonstration of Clark’s ascent as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) hub. It will highlight world-class venues, robust infrastructure, and the accessibility offered by Clark International Airport.

3. Enhancing National Brand It provides an unparalleled platform to showcase the natural beauty, rich culture, and renowned Filipino hospitality to a global audience of young influencers, generating invaluable word-of-mouth promotion and encouraging long-term tourism growth.

The JCI World Congress: A Platform for Positive Change

The JCI World Congress is the flagship annual gathering of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global non-profit dedicated to empowering young people (ages 18 to 40) to create positive change.

The 2026 agenda in Clark is designed to be a dynamic, immersive platform for leadership development and knowledge exchange, featuring:

Inspirational Keynotes from renowned world leaders and influential thinkers.

Impactful Workshops and Training focused on practical skill-building, leadership growth, and community impact.

Prestigious Award Ceremonies recognizing outstanding achievements across the JCI global network.

Official JCI Business, including the critical election of the next JCI World President and the international board of directors.

The hosting of this monumental event, championed by organizations like JCI Manila (the pioneering chapter in Asia since 1947), places the Philippines at the very center of the global conversation on youth leadership.

The message is clear: the Philippines is ready to open its doors, not just for a conference, but for a global moment—one that promises to define its future as a major player on the world stage.

The Reckoning: Why the Global South Must Be the Engine of Climate Survival

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The age of climate apathy is over. As powerful typhoons, historic droughts, and rising seas reshape the world, the Global South stands on the precipice—a fragile front line demanding justice, capital, and the right to forge its own green future. The skepticism of any single superpower is now utterly irrelevant to the survival of the planet.

The planet’s thermostat is broken. Every new cataclysm—from the merciless storms that savage tropical archipelagos to the slow, suffocating crawl of desertification—is a stark and dramatic reminder: climate change is not a future threat, it is a present reality.

And while one of the world’s most powerful economies, under a renewed administration, embraces a stance of skepticism and hostility, that political retreat does absolutely nothing to alter the brutal facts on the ground. For the vast majority of the world—the populous, predominantly tropical nations of the Global South—this crisis is a matter of life, death, and immediate necessity.

This is the central tension heading into critical global dialogues like COP30: the front-line victims of the crisis are demanding a total systemic overhaul from the historic architects of the problem.

The Four Pillars of Climate Justice

The perennial demands of the Global South, forged in the crucible of escalating disaster, are a non-negotiable manifesto for the developed world. They are the essential terms for victory in the war against climate collapse.

1. Flexibility Over Fixity: A Call to Heed Local Wisdom

The Global North must abandon its rigid, one-size-fits-all prescriptions for environmental action. Developed nations must genuinely listen to the lived experience of developing and least developed countries. A dogmatic approach to technology, energy transition, and conservation frustrates the sincere, proactive measures many nations are already taking.

To win this fight, the North must provide flexibility. This is not a bid to evade responsibility, but a recognition that effective, scalable solutions must be locally resonant. Furthermore, the defense of a sustainable environment is fundamentally a human right, intrinsically linked to dignity and security. The international silence surrounding devastating acts of ecocide in conflict zones only compounds this injustice, underscoring the deep hypocrisy when human rights are selectively applied.

2. The Capital Crisis: Fulfilling the Financial Debt

Money talks. The failure to fulfill climate finance commitments for vulnerable nations is the ultimate act of bad faith. It is not charity being requested, but the timely repayment of a debt—a climate reparation owed to tropical countries for centuries of unchecked global emissions.

The figures are staggering, demanding a dramatic surge in funding: developing nations are projected to need $1.1 trillion in climate finance by 2025 and a monumental $1.8 trillion by 2030. This financial necessity forces a critical shift: climate action can no longer be about setting ambitious targets; the time has come for adaptation implementation and hard delivery.

The Tropical Uprising: Leading Without the North

The retreat of any single superpower, while significant, is not a signal to surrender; it is a profound opportunity to strengthen multilateral cooperation and for the Global South to assert its own, powerful leadership. The world can and must act regardless of the largest economy’s involvement.

The most compelling proof of this paradigm shift is the development of innovative, self-led initiatives, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). This initiative, championed by nations with the most precious ecological assets, aims to secure a massive fund to support lasting conservation and protect crucial tropical ecosystems.

Endorsed by a majority of the world's tropical forest countries—those stewarding over 90 percent of this critical global resource—the TFFF demonstrates the potent capacity of the Global South to build its own solutions to existential challenges. This is a framework for equitable, transparent conservation, ensuring that the burden of protecting irreplaceable biodiversity does not come at the cost of basic human needs, such as education, jobs, or dignity. The North has a moral obligation to support, rather than dictate, these efforts.

The Imperative for Regional Blocs

The challenge now turns inward. Regional blocs in the Global South cannot shirk their own responsibilities.

While these blocs often have a proud history of geopolitical neutrality and advancing economic integration, that same fierce urgency must now be applied to climate leadership. Praiseworthy declarations and action plans are only the starting point. Without bold, decisive action, words remain hollow, and regional bodies risk vulnerability to accusations of pandering to denialism even as their own people suffer mounting climate disasters.

The mandate for all regional groupings—from Southeast Asia to Africa to Latin America—is clear:

Stop setting the floor and start setting the pace.

Translate declarations into immediate, funded implementation.

Harness credibility and influence to connect disparate blocs—from China and the BRICS coalition to the EU and GCC—and forge a powerful, unified front for multilateral action.

The ultimate conclusion is both dramatic and hopeful: The fight against climate change is far from over. It is still possible for both the developed and the developing worlds to win this battle. But the victory will be secured on the terms of the Global South, built on a foundation of climate justice, unprecedented financial commitment, and decisive, self-determined action.