GSIS Will Preserve the Lone Tree Park in Baguio City

The Government Service Insurance System recently announced in their website that they will “neither sell the land where the park stands nor allow it to be converted into a commercial area by any party”, this is according to the GSIS President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas.

It could be recalled that students of the Baguio Pines Family Learning Center sent letters to President Duterte asking for his intervention to stop the selling of the said property as rumors of the construction of condotel or carpark emanated.

As a move to preserve the tree park, the City Mayor proposed to purchase the said land for the preservation of the park. However, the deal came into a halt when the GSIS presented the new price for the purchase of the property. PGM Aranas however is optimistic that the negotiations with the City Government of Baguio will come into a fruitful resolution. PGM Aranas further explained that property value will appreciate over time and any decision by GSIS should always focus on growing their fund for the benefit of their pensioners and members.

The GSIS President and General Manager gave further assurance by saying : ” We empathize with Alcina Flores and other students concerned. They can heave a sigh of relief because the GSIS property will remain to be the home of these beautiful trees”

For now, residents and tourists of Baguio who are supporting the move to preserve the tree park can breathe a sigh of relief, however, everybody must remain vigilant as changes in the leadership could again put this vital “lung” of the city in jeopardy.