THE Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) Development Authority (MBLISTTDA) will have to wait for the 2024 budget appropriations act before it can receive an operating budget, according to Baguio representative Mark Go.
Go, who sponsored the act that created the MBLISTTDA, Republic Act 11932, said that the body will still be established and able to operate but will not receive a budget until 2024 due to timing issues.
According to Go, the government was unable to include the MBLISTTDA in the General Appropriations Act of 2023 as the law that created it lapsed into law on the last day of the previous Duterte administration.
However, Go assured that not only will the funding be provided, it will be done as soon as it is possible.
Under RA 11932, the BLISTT area will be assigned as a special development and administrative area, with the MBLISTTDA tasked to centralize and oversee development efforts and initiatives in the area under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President.
The MBLISTTDA is also beholden to implement medium and long-term development responsibilities that include urban renewal, land use planning, housing and shelter; solid waste disposal and management; flood control and sewerage management, water resource management system; health, sanitation, and pollution control; public safety and order; and tourism.
