The renewed clean and green program in Baguio was boosted anew as city mayor Mauricio Domogan ordered the reactivation of the Alay sa Kalinisan Inc. (ASKI), one of frontrunners the city’s cleanliness and sanitation efforts.

Domogan said the ASK members will meet every week to discuss anew regreening projects and program, improvement of air quality, and cleaning up of the Balili River.

It was not immediately known who will compose the group.

Domogan said there is a need to reactivate the group considering the noted pattern of irresponsible disposal of wastes and growing concern on littering even within the central business district.

The mayor likewise expressed dismay that there was a marked increase in the number of those chewing betel nut (momma), who spit in any nook and cranny of the city. “Spitting anywhere will not be tolerated,” he said. 

Vice mayor Daniel Fariñas proposed an ordinance providing for additional funding for the cleanup drive of the city government in relation to the “Alay sa Kalinisan” program. 

It was in 1993 that the city government, through Administrative Order 413, established ASKI purposely to make Baguio the cleanest and greenest city in the country. The same AO merged all other initiatives and activities into a single massive and citywide campaign. 

Fariñas said that with the reactivation of the group, there is a need also to increase its funding support in wake of the mammoth concerns on cleanliness and the environment in this mountain resort over the past years. 

The official requested the city’s Local Finance Committee to source out additional fund for the operations of the group possibly through realignment of funds from unimplemented projects or from available savings of the city. 

He further proposed that the budget of ASKI be included in the annual budget of the City Environment and Parks Management Office starting fiscal year 2011 and every year thereafter. 

Fariñas urged all sectors in the city to continuously support and participate in the upcoming projects and programs ASK will be introducing in the near future.