Proposed Ordinance Renaming South Drive as Halsema Avenue, Approved on First Reading

A proposed ordinance renaming South Drive as Halsema Avenue in honor of Engr. Eusebius Halsema has been approved by the City Council on first reading during the regular session last Monday.

Who is Engr. Eusebius Halsema

But who exactly is Engr. Eusebius Halsema? Halsema served the city as City Mayor, City Engineer and District Engineer for seventeen (17) years. This is from the year 1920 to 1937.

For twenty-nine (29) years, he also served the Philippine government’s Bureau of Public works.

According to the Councilor Elaine Sembrano, author of the ordinance, it was during Halsema’s stewardship that most of the roadways in the city were converted into well-paved streets.

The establishment of an air link for Baguio-Manila, the Baguio City High School, several public elementary schools, and the old auditorium of Burnham Park, was also made possible by the late Baguio City Mayor.

Until this day, Halsema’s remains are still buried at the Baguio cemetery.

“It is but a fitting accolade to honor the late Halsema, whose remains are buried at the Baguio Cemetery, in memorializing ways right in the city that he faithfully and ably served.” 

– Councilor Elaine Sembrano, author of the ordinance, Sangguniang Panlungsod Baguio, September 25, 2020

Furthermore, Sembrano also stressed that renaming South Drive, which connects Upper Session Road to Country Club Road at the western side of Baguio, will be a fitting tribute to Halsema.

The Proposed Ordinance

According to the Public Information Office of the City of Baguio, the ordinance was already referred to the concerned committee for study and recommendation.

Once approved on third and final reading, the City Engineering Office (CEO) shall be tasked to:

• Collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
  • For the removal of old street signs and their replacement
• Ensure the identification of the new road name on the official maps of the city

To put in place the renamed street signs at strategic points of the road which includes appropriate road marks and roadside development, the council has proposed the initial allocation of some one hundred thousand pesos (Php 100,000).

For More News and Updates

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Source: Public Information Office – City of Baguio, Sangguniang Panlungsod Baguio