Baguio: Mayor Benjamin Magalong called on residents Wednesday to stop the improper disposal of garbage in waterways and on roads to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The appeal followed a Tuesday afternoon thunderstorm that caused several roads to swell and raised water levels at the city camp lagoon. Localized thunderstorms have become frequent in the city due to raincloud accumulation caused by extreme heat.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Magalong emphasized the city's commitment to a circular economy program designed to improve waste segregation and promote the "reduce, reuse, and recycle" principle. He noted that being conscious of how and where items are disposed of can turn waste into a financial resource. 'Let us be responsible for our garbage because we the residents will be the ones affected when it rains and our houses are flooded,' Magalong said during a media interview.

The city currently pilots this circular economy initiative in six barangays, where residents collect segregated recyclables and e-waste to be manufactured into items like chairs and pots. These barangays have received shredders and specialized collection vehicles to support the program. Magalong aims to establish at least 21 similar facilities across the city, provided that suitable spaces are identified for the equipment. The city also holds regular sustainability fairs in the central business district to encourage the proper turnover of electronic and recyclable materials.

Ongoing efforts seek to restore order and safety in Baguio's infrastructure, ensuring that residents remain protected from the impacts of severe weather.