In a recent meeting, the Baguio City Council granted conditional approval for a controversial P23.9-million road project that will traverse the Buyog Watershed, a critical ecological area. The 218-meter bypass road aims to connect Barangays Pinget and West Quirino Hill, enhancing access for emergency services in the region. This project is supported by eight barangays, which have expressed frustrations over limited access for fire trucks and ambulances. However, the council imposed strict conditions, requiring barangay officials to take responsibility for preventing informal settlements that may arise due to the new road. Environmental advocates have voiced concerns regarding the potential ecological impact, as the watershed is home to 7.2 hectares of pine forest. The council also mandated tree planting by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to bolster forest cover. While some council members criticized the project for insufficient environmental safeguards, others noted that the road construction is not classified as falling within a protected area, thus avoiding a full environmental impact assessment.