I.

MAP OF ENGINEERS HILL

Satellite Map

BARANGAY ENGINEERS HILL

SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW
(key points)

Engineers hill used to be a housing district for the engineers working here in Baguio city
during the American colonial period. Small cottages were built to house workers, laborers
and engineers. Up until now some housing cottages still exist but are not being used.
Most of the structures in engineers hill are Government buildings before but now due to
the growing population and also due to the orders of congressman Cosalan, some
government owned lots are now turned into residential lots. This is the reason most area
of the barangay is covered by residential units.
For the situation of the barangay today, Some improvements on Barangay engineers hill
is still ongoing like the childrens playground and fencing, although some are already
finished like the barangay covered court, sk center, sewer lines, pathways, and the
installation of cctv cameras around the barangay. These were the only improvements
that were accomplished during the year 2015- 2016. Some improvements will also be
implemented like the rehabilitation of sidewalks going to Nevada road, the fixing of
storm drainage system. The aim of the barangay for the development of engineers hill is
that to maximize its potential in commerce since it is near the CBD area.
We also asked the capitan for the existing natural elements present in their barangay
and he said that There is an existing creek in engineers hill that passes through
Marcoville ,east of the barangay, then to cabinet hill and then to Balili river at La Trinidad
which exits to La Union. The current condition of the creek is unpleasant. Some Makeshift
houses and some concrete houses with improper drainage system use the creek as a
drainage area for their waste, drainage pipes are protruded towards the creek. The
captain also said jokingly that the only purpose of the creek now is as a garbage bin. In
the past, the barangay are doing some programs (like cleaning programs) to avoid and
lessen this activity but the people are still doing it so the Barangay discontinued the
programs. The captain also said that more and more houses are being built along the
creek area therefore encroachment and squatting are common and present. Also in other
barangays where the creek passes, houses are found surrounding the area and also
doing the same activity to the creek.
Another natural element found in engineers hill in the forest reserve which is the Forbes
Park, although some parts of the forest reserve are within engineers hill. It is located at
the northeaster part of the barangay. The forest reserve has already existed and
protected ever since the American colonial period. Before a service hut is also located at
the top most part of the watershed which serves as a station for the guards guarding the
forest. The forest reserve up to this day serves a watershed also for the barangay and
other adjoining barangays. But then some parts of the watershed were granted and titled
2

to some residents of the barangay and other barangays therefore the area of the
watershed decreased. It is evident in the map that there is a decrease in the area of the
forestry. Although the captain also said that there are squatters present in that area, he
does not have the power to evict or demolish their structure since it is responsibility of
the DENR to take action in this types of matters. Though the condition of the watershed
today is still great, the barangay worries that maybe in the future the area of the
watershed will be filled with houses that can contribute to the destruction of the
watershed. The captain also said that Japanese treasures are hidden somewhere in the
area.
During typhoon seasons, there are no reported cases of landslides or flooding in the
area because of its hilly and rolling terrain. But the captain does not know if any
accidents such as landslides had happened before his time. One factor that greatly
contributes to the development of the barangay as stated by the captain is its location.
Since the barangay is near or within the CBD, near tourist destinations, near the church
and school, commercial buildings are constructed in the area and more developments
area being constructed. The engineers hill is the first to have any developments. This is
also the reason why the population growth in the area is rapid. Ever since before a lot of
people are already taking interest in owning a lot in the area because of its proximity to
the CHB area.
The captain did not any state any nature factor which affects the
development of the barangay.
As for the changes that had happened in the barangay nature or man- made, the captain
said that the only changes that had happened that he is aware of is the transfer of
ownership of lands. But also due to encroachment of houses, some alleys and passages
are now completely impassable. Some houses area actually located on the alleys hence,
covering the whole passage area. Another evident change in the physical makeup of the
barangay is the decreased area of the watershed which is due to the awarding of lots to
some residents. Another is the changed condition of the creek which is now used as a
dumping ground for garbage of the residents in the area. Also, some bunkhouses are
turned into residential houses which still exist today while some are already abandoned.
Additional commercial buildings like hotels are present in the area.
For the progression and the development of the barangay, especially the south area
(creek area) of engineers hill where most houses are of poor condition and
encroachment and squatting is common, the captain proposes a condominium type of
dwelling to house the residents of the area and also to better their condition.

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

Interview with Kagawad Pacifico L. Castro, jr.

( Committee on Lands, Infrastructure and Tourism)
( current situation of brangay engineers hill)
Kagawad Castor, yung noon daw may naidagdag bana imporvements sa engineers
hill. Kung may mga imporvememnts? Yung itong satin lang yun...Sa infrastructure siguro
yung covered court, yung sk center mga bago,at saka yung pathway going to .... alley, then
stairs going up to the covered court, yung mga sewer line of Nevada and going down the hill. Yun
ang mga improvements na natapos na. ....kasi wala pang walls itong mga ito eh (hand gestures)
kaya open, pero enclosed parin. So ongoing parin? Oo may mga fencing pa, then the childrens
playground, then cctv, then public address, so yun yung mga ongoing projects dito? yung
completion of covered court, kasi ongoing parin hanggang ngayon. Ongoing project din yung
cctv- addition project. ano po yung gusto niyong idagdag na facilities dito? yung childrens
playground papalitan na iyan, diyan. (cut about the cctv) while waiting for the city jails
office...naisubmit na niya at naaprove niya, idadala nalang dito...(secretary shows historical
photos
of
Engineers
hill).
( history of engineers hill)
Sir kalian po nagstart o naitayo yung DPWH po? Matagal na sila.Yung DPWH old timer na
iyan eh. Nung kaming barangay official nung 1982 andyan na sila. So urbanized na talaga
before pa? before na yan. Before dpwh. Andyan lahat nakahousing ang mga district engineers,
engineering office and then regional office CAR. Kaya tinawag na engineers hill kasi mga
engineers ang mga nandito lahat. Kasi dito noon puro cottages nila ang nandidito yung mga staff
ng DPWH and then mga trabahador ng DPWH n anabaptize ng engineers hill barangay. so yun
pala ang history ng engineers hill. Meron po bang existin na river dito? Oo meron, creek
ayun. Hindi river, Creek lang. mga 3 meters wide. From the east going down to balili river. Ay
diretso nap o duon. Napalibutan po ba iyin ng bahay bahay?yung creek na iyon? oo, in
between creek then this side sa forbes park reservation iyan, water reservation and then
nanduduon din ang marcoville , DPace then sa other side, this side (hand Gestures) yun sa
engineers hill and then sa cabinet hill. Ay dun po yung mga bahay na sa ilalim may canal.
(hand gestures) Kasi eto upper engineers hill, ang middle we call that triangle areaand then the
lower the left side of Nevada road. The talipapa area is where the Nevada road is, which is the
national road. That one from leonard wood road up to session road. Eto naman puro mga
barangay road, city road. And maring offices ditto. na empleyado ng DPWH. Tapos diyan mga old
cottages para sa trabahador ng DPWH. Yan old house na iyan. Ay dati plang yang mga iyan?
Oo lahat yan, sakop ng dpwh. Tapos dito naman nandito barangay, COA commission on audit,
and then yung PNR tapos yung DSWD nandito, Department of Trade and industy, Department of
agriculture nandito. Sa kabila naman nandun ang Court of Appeals. And then sa mga cottages sa
cabinet hill andun ang justices cottages, sa asupreme court. Matagal na po bang may mga
bahay dito? matagal na din since 19 kwan na yung mga bahay nay an eh, pero hindi pa a
titlean yang mga bahay na iyan. Parang mga 1970s dumami nang dumami. Nung dineclare na,
4

kasi ito government reservation lahat ito, tapos dinispose nila sa time ni Cosalan. Si Cosalan kasi
ang unang congressman . siya ang gumawa ng billsa congress, siya ang nagdeclare na
disposable. Pero meron ding area na hindi nagging disposable. Saan poi yon na banda? Yung
mga government property, kung saan nakatayo ang mga government buildings.pero meron ding
mga ibang government property na naidispose na.nabigayan ng award yungmga trabahador. Ah
naging residential na kaya sumisiskip na yung area ng DPWH. Ang LTO nandyan din nuon,
nagrerenta sa property ng DPWH. Ngayon lumipat na. yun ang history na alam ko.
(video cut)
Kasi hindi pa titled, hindi pa naiaward ng husto.katulad ng part of forestry compound, meron din
sa taas. May mga tax declaration na at titled. Meron po bang natitirang forest reserve
dito? oo meron sa kabila, tabi lang ng creek. Tapat din ng engineers hill. Yun yung tinatawag
nilagn Forbes park. Pero most of it eh sa girls cout of the Philippines reservation at watershed na
din. Kaya maraming mga pinetrees.
( original settlers)
Meron po bang mga indigenous people dito? meron din, pero dati. Nagiimprove sila kaya
umaalis sila. Umaalis sila dito? yung mga iba hindi parin umaalis pero karamihan sa baba, Sa
consistory area, lower engineers hill. Dun yung mga anak nila pupunta ng abroad sila din
pupunta na pweo yung iba hinid parin umaalis. Ang engineers hill kalahati ang business center
kkalahati din ang residential area. Kasi nagtayuan ang mga hotel, bangko mga restaurant, mga
ganyan.

Interview with Amado M. Felizardo

(Barangay Captain)
( improvements for the barangay)
Tungkol saan ba yung paguusapan natin? Tungkol po sa mga improvements na gusto niyo
para sa barangay niyo. unang una kasi marami tayong .... sa infrastructure, sa livelihood,sa
peace in order. Ilagay natin sa aspeto. Ang improvements general iyan. Pero para saakin lang sa
ngayon kasi as a kapitan gusto ko sa livelihood. Kasi Makita kong yung pamumuhay ng individual
kailangan naman ay hindi sila nahuhuli sa buhay, ganun. Kasi at this time naman kasi maski
nandito tayo sa cetro kunti naman yung opportunity na nakukuha nila parang nashashare nilasa
iba.hindi nabibigyan ng tamang opportuny ang iba para mabigyan ng magandang buhay. Sa
infrastructure naman kailangan naming ng parking space. Kasi at this time naman ang engineers
hill part na iyan ng CBD eh. Yung congestion ng session road, Harrison road parang kung baga sa
mga barangay kami ang unang nakakramdam eh. Considering bypass road ang kalsada naming.
Sa peace and order naman siguro hindi naman na kailangan. May coordination din kami. Lalo na
sa critical days. May plano po ba ang barangay para sa improvememnts ngayon? Sa
infrastructure on going na. sa disaster meron na din. May cctv na, may public address system,
may handheld radios. Nagiisa lang po ba yung creek dito? oo magisa lang. pero hindi ko na
sasabihin yung tungkol sa gold deposit dito. baka madyaryo tayo. (video was cut)
5

(natural elements)
Goodmorning sir! Saan po nagumpisa yung creek? sa DPS compound. Saan po yung DPS
compnd? Dito sa taas dito (showing the map) eto oh, Marcoville na ito, sa taas pa. saan po
nageexit? Malayo na eh, duon na sa La union. Dadaan p ang Trinidad yan sa Balili river?oo
uhh...may forest reserve po ba dito? meron , yung Forbes park. Malawak po ba iyon? Oo
dati pero ngayon naaward na dito sa engineers hill. May portion nang na award dito sa
engineers hill, sa DPS, sa Marcoville at cabinet hill. So parang nabawasan na. sino po yung
nagbabantay sa forest reserve or watershed? Actually forest reservation yan eh, ang
incharge diyan eh DENR, ewan ko kung may assigned na forest guardian. Dati kasi may hut diyan
sa taas naming malapit sa south drive, now hindi naman yata nag stastay yung forest guard
diyan. Dun po sa natirang forestry may squatters po ba duon na tumitira? Ang saamin
kasi dito sa part ng engineers hill ang masasagod ko, naaward na yung ibang barangay di ko
alam kung ano yung situation nila kung awarded ba sa kanila or nag iisquat ba o ano.duon po
sa creek may mga bahay po bang nakapalibot duon? oo marami, ganun di yung residence
ng Marcoville, engineers hill, cabinet hill, marami iyan along the creek. Yung area po ba ng
engineers hill bundok talaga? hindi ito hindi naman (showing outside) rolling terrain lang
siguro to, yun lang. diba yun gpagbaba mo duon di masyado. Uhm sir what nature factor
influence in the development of the barangay? Ay yung factor dito sa engineers hill yung
ano. Dito kasi sa engineers hill actually yung ano eh yung location, yung location niya kasi very
malapit sa CBD, sa tourist spot, sa church, sa school. Yun kaya siguro na develop ng husto kaya
tinatake advantage nila yung location, nasa centro kasi kami eh. Yun ang alam ko na
pinakareason kun gbakit nadevelop itong engineers hill. At the same time tuloy tuloy pa siguro
iyan dahil ang area of development at expansion ng CBD kasi kami yung unang ano eh, unang
barangay na nakapag anong development. Yung DPS maliit lang sila, yung Marcoville nasa loob
sila, so as of now ang lote medyo konti na pero marami parin ang bahay na pwede na magpalaki
ng structure. Para sa expansion at development nila. Location ang alam ko na pinaka factor sa
development ng engineers hil. At the same time ang mga tao dito, ang human resources. Yung
madami din ang mga professionals dito, marami ding may mga kamaganak sa abroad. Sir yung
ito kasi oh...(shows map) nangaling sa assessors office, may nagbago po ba? Ang alam
kong pagbabago eh sa ownership. Yung iba wala na dito, yung iba namatay na o naitransfer na
sa kanilang mga anak. Pero ang pinaka cause niyan ay karamihan ay binenta na. yung dating
awardee dito after a while eh binenta na.yun lang yung pagbabago niya. Sa development po
may nadagdag po bang roads or may nawalang roads? Yun nga yung mga encroachment
ng alley at sidewalk, yun lang yunglang, pero ang road lang, yun ayun,ganun din angkaso ng
roads kasi alam naman nila na halimbawa yung banda dito pababa na to yung road na 5 meters.
Yung mga nageenroach including the side walk, including the road, kaya lumiit na yung road.
Dating 5 meters nagging 4 meters nalang. Yun ang mga pagbabago siguro na... may mga portion
na nasunod yung tamang condition sa mga approved subdivision plan. Yung iba dating alley thru
and thru, binahayan nga- barado na. kagaya nito (shows outside) dito barado na din ito so yun
ang mga nagging ang mga pagbabago sa... at isa pa, ang pinakamatindi pagbabago ay si
president. ( laughs) sir kung sainyo po ano po yung gusto niyong development? Sa
ngayon gusto ko yung magkaroon ng... sa baba kasi hindi maayos yung residential houses, yun
ang unang magkaroon ng master plan o project na iyong residential ay magiging maayos,
condominium type na ano... pra mawala na yung mga hiwalyhiwalay na bahay. Saan po dito?
(shows map) itong banda na ito. Sa lower, dun sa lower. Dito kasi medyo na ano nasunod yung
subdivision plan pero dto sa baba... matagal, wala kasi itong meron siyang ganito pero hindi
6

nasunod kasi dito nahuli yung titling eh pero dito sa taas, sa mga triangle na ito maaga silang
ano uh... prinocess yung titleing kaya ano, maganda yung development nila.pero dito kasi sa
baba eh nagkanya kanya muna sila mga year 2000 lang or 2001 nagumpisa yung...sir kung
sainyo po ano yung... dadagdagan niyo po ba yung forest reserve? Or may mga papaalisin ba
kayong mga tao ? hindi na siguro dahil, yun nga ang sabi ko saamin , area ng engineers hill
awarded na iyan, hindi na pwede anhin iyan, at the same time na pa titelan na nila iyan. Yung sa
ibang bang barangay ewan ko lang kung naaward na sakanila or at the same time anon a patitle.
Kasi ano after titling dapat naawarding iworkout mo yung titling, babayaran mo yung sss value,
yung ganun, iaano mo sa city assesors yung title, pero sa aamin yung dating part ng forbes park
reservation naaward na in time workout nalang, title nalang. Siguro 95% titeling nalang, yung
ibang awardee kasi medyo nahuli sa processing, ang alam ko kasi ang processing ngayon eh sa
manila dati dito lang sa baguio ang titling so ganun yung situation dito, kaya hindi na naming
pwedeng paalisin at the same time, just incase man at paalisin hindi kami ang gagawa kasi
DENR naman ang magpapaalis sa kanila. Kung sakaling sa ibang barangay may nag isquat at
hindi legitimate kailangan sila ang magpapaalis. Kung may nagbabago ngay sir parang
meron bang accidente or nagyaayri , parang naglalandslide? Dito sa engineers hill uh...
ang aming, yung mga nauna siguro dito, naborn dito, wala naman kaming naexperience na
landslide.actually parang medyo maganda din yung location naming, maski flood wala naman.
Bali lahat dito residence? Oo dito lahat (shows outside) yung iba duon hanggang sa talipapa,
ito residential iyan (shows map) dito sa marcoville, sa taas ng Marcoville, sa taas ng DPS . kaya
po ba nagkaroon ng residential kasi malapit din sa CBD? Oo, yun ang pinaka, at isa pa
yun nga, kaya nga nagging engineers hill ito dito kasi lahat ng engineers, nagtratrabaho sa
highway dito ang kanilang converging points. Syempre pag marami dito mgahanahanap ng mga
bakanteng lote para sa garden garden hangang sa nagtayo ng bahay. So kaya nagging puro
residential iyan.actually duon sa part nila kagawad bunk house din dati iyan pero na subdivide na
din sakanila, natitlan na. pati din dito sa taas, sa may motorpool , mga bunkhouse kasi iyan dati.
May natira pa po bang mga bunkhouse dati? Meron pa pero parang hindi na bunkhouse eh,
parang converted na kasi eh, nakanya kanyang partition na, so parang hindi na mukhang
bunkhouse. Sa development dito lang talaga? In terms of residential para maayos ang
aesthetic community kailangan dito kasi yung hindi maayos. Dito sa taas maayos, Makikita mo
naman may provided silang mga garage pero dito medyo halo halo , dikit dikit kasi nahuli sila sa
awarding ng lots eh, kaya kanyakanya muna magsisamantala medyo maayos na at mahirap
nang baguhin kasi concreto na din yung wall nila.magkakaroon ng away kung pippilitin mong,
siguro yung housing lang ang alam ko dito. Yung alley developed naman, yung sewer developed
naman, yung canal medyo yun yung pinopondohan naming pero rehab lang, pero may mag
existing na. yung creek po ba may dulot po siya sa engineers hiil. Maygamit po ba? Oo
malaki ang gamit niyan kasi yung mga nakatira diyan ginagamit na pagbasurahan eh. Sewer line
pa eh. Yan ang gamit niyan. Oo yung garbage bin yan, sewer bin, yan lahat nan g dumi nila eh
malaking tulong iyan.wala na eh kasi madumi na iyan. Upstream kasi kami eh. Kaya dito din ang
tutok ng ano... Dito kasi nagging partner naming ang SLU para linisin. Yung iba nakatutok na
yung drainage pipe nila, yung iba inuumpisahan nang mag encroach nilagyan na nag concrete
slab. Hindi na nagagamit ng tama ang creek. Tributary lang dapat and gamit.

Day 2 of interview
Brgy Captain: yong ganun ahhmm from that time on,yong mga dating bunkhouse, yong
mga dating government state, mga lote, ahh siguro by the year 1980s ganun, inaaward
na sa mga qualified na mga empleyado, karamihan din sa mga may ari ng lote dito dati
7

ng empleyado pagka qualified. Inaward na sakanila, yong mga dating nakatira sa mga
bunkhouses yon, mga regular employees inaward na, inasses muna ng DENR saka City
assessors binayaran na. ahh ang marami talaga ditto mga awardees ng.. kasi karamihan
ditto reservation ng highways e, mga empleyado.
by the year 1980s, bunk houses, old government state and other lots in Engineers
Hill was awarded to some qualified employees whom are the mostly owners in
these place. It was assessed first by the DENR and the City Assessors before
awarding it.
Interviewer: ahh mga pang empleyado lang po ditto na banda?
is these place for employees only?
Brgy.Capt.: ahh nung una nung una, madalang lang talaga yong may ari ng talagang
private lot, actually ito nga eh public lot public lot, ngayon inapplyan ng highways
sinubdivide, sinurvey survey, inassess, binayaran. Pero ang nag inissiate nun eh sa
DPWH, binigay sa mga qualified na empleyado.
Actually, way back then these place was a public lot, only few lots here were
private. These was applied by the DPWH and gave the lots to the qualified
employees.
Interviewer: so doon po nagstart yong housing development po sir?
Was it the time where housing development was started?
Brgy.Capt.: actually ang housing development dito sa Engineeres hill ahh walang ano
eh,kaya nagiging kanya kanya lang eh.
Actually housing here were just made by the people
Interwiewer: so private po yong..
Is it private?
Brgy.Capt.: oo yong private lang sila, yong kasi nung may award na sila nung ano nung
lot, sila na yong nagdevelop ng ano
Yes, the lots that were awarded it is private and is developed by the owners,
Interviewer: titled po yong mga
Is it titled?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, kasi yong process if you are awarded into the lots ibig sabihin, ahh sa
pangalan mo na yon, kung magkano assesses value, babayaran mo sa citys assessor.
After paying the amount. For a titleing na yon, ilalakad mo, ibang process namaan yong
titleing na. iba yong award. pag award babayaran mula lang pero pag tumigil ka doon.
Hanggang doon ka lang. pero kinakailangan itigil mo para ma titled yong property mo.
Parang ganun nagging history ng engineers hill. So, nung gumanda ng gumanda yong
ano,yong mga buhay, nakita nila na parang Malaki yong nagging business center. Yong
iba nabigyan ng pagkakataon pumuta sa abroad, binenta na nila yong mga lote dito.
Marami na ring nagkakaibaiba ng property so hanggang sa dumating yang mga investor,
mga hotels, mga boarding houses ganun.
Yes, because once it is awadrded to the employees, the title of the lots will be
transferred to the name of the awardee. But before having the titled lots it should
be paid first to the city assessors according to the assessed value of the lot.
Interviewer: ai meron pa po ba kayong map, yong map?
8

Do you have some Engineers hill map here?

Secretary: map ditto?
Map here?
Brgy.Capt.: yon (pointing tha map)
That one
Interviewer: sir, ahm..
Brgy.Capt.: yan
Interviewer: sir, pwedeng pong paturo po nung creek, kung paano po kung saan yong
creek.
Sir can you show us where the creek is located?
Brgy.Capt.: ah yong creek, nandoon, yon oh yong nakadrawing doon oh. Sa may ulo nung
gwapo. (pointing to the map on the other side)
The creek is located there, near the head of the boy.
Interviwer: ahh yon po yong creek?
Is that the creek?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, yong yong creek. Mahaba yan. Mahaba pa yan hanggang doon sa may
Trinidad.
Yes, it is the creek. That is a long creek which reach upto La Trinidad.
Interviewer: balili po?
Is it the Balili sir?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, balili. Ang parang headwater niyan eh, ang head niyan eh nasa Dps na
barangay.
Yes, it is the Balili. Its headwater is located in DPS.
Interviewer: DPS
Interviewer: opo opo
Okay sir
Brgy.Capt.: yan going down, La Union na siguro yan. Ditto ang, bale kaya kami yong nasa
taas. DPS, ah marcoville tapos engineers hill, kaya kami. kaya just incase na may
mabalitaan kayo na may maraming basura diyan sa baba, sigurado sinisisi kami eh.
That creek reach the La Union. Once they say that the creek is dirty, they will
automatically pinpoint us because we are the once which is located in the top
most.
Interviewer: opo
Okay sir
Brgy.Capt.: kami nasa taas eh. (laugh)
Just beacause we are on the top. (laugh)
Interviewer: Sir pwede po ba kaming magpaphotocopy ng mga, available doucuments po
ninyo?
Sir may you allow us to have photocopt these documents?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, 100 per copy yan. (laugh)
Thats P100 per photocopy. (jakoing us)
Interviewer: pero medyo marami po.
Is it okay if we photocopy many pages?
9

Brgy.Capt.: kung ano pwede diyan, eh kung anon lang , Tignan niyo kung ano pwede
ninyong gamitin. Map, mga available na kwan diyan. Hwag lng yong CR naming kasi
walng cover yong bowl. (laughs) baka mapublish pa.
If it will help then it is okay.
Interviewer: sir thank you po.
Thank you sir!
Brgy.Capt.: sabi ko sainyo kanina, eh di times two. So walanng thank you yon. Tanungin
niyo kay secretary kung ilan. (joked)
No need to thank you, you will pay that for double. (joking us again)
Interviewer: sir, may ano po kayo, ahm existing natural element bukod po sa creek?
Sir do you have any other natural elements excluding the creek?
Brgy.Capt.: creek? Ahh.. natural ano?
Natural?
Interviewer: elements po.
Elemets Sir.
Brgy.Capt.: ahh anong specific na elements yan
What kind of specific elements?
Interviewer: ahmm kunwari po, nagiisa lang po ba yong creek dito sa palce niyo?
Ahm, for example sir, is there only one creek here?
Brgy.Capt.: Oo yon lang, yon lang.
Yes, it is only one.
Interviewer: okay lang po ba magpicture picture po kami ditto sa barangay niyo?
Is it okay if we take photos of the Barangay?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, okay lang naman, walang problema yan. Baka sumikat pa tong barangay
naming. (laughs)
Yes, it is okay. May be in that way way could be famous. (jokes and laughs)

Day 3 of interview
Interviewer: kung may idadagdag po kayo saan dito na banda?
Sir, if you will develop something here, where it would be?
Brgy.Capt.: Ano? Sa road or sa building?
Is it on road or on building?
Interviewer: opo
Brgy.Capt.: or sa.. Kasi ang nagging kwan kasi namin, yong parang nagiging problema
naming encroachment ng alley tsaka road ai side walk.
Because we are having some problem on the encroachment of alleys and
sidewalks.
Interviewer: encroachment ng alley.
of alley?
Brgy.Capt.: kasi meron dito yong. Maliit na masyado di ko na makita(pertaining to xerox
copy of map)
Because we have here
Brgy.Capt.: yong alley ditto (poiting in map hangin on the wall)
The alley here.
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Interviewer: opo opo

Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: ito ito lalabas yan dito eh, papunta dito sa kabila. Naano na ito kasi eh, na..
Eto kasi eh yong lot na yan nagextend na siya diyan kaya eto dapat sana eh deretso
Here, here, here on the sides. The problem here is there should be a straight alley
and sidewalks but because of extended lots it became irregular.
Interviewer: dirediretso.
Brgy.Capt.: parang ang kwan namin eh sana
***interruptions
Brgy.Capt.: ano, ang talagang problema naming kasi diyan eh yong mga alley
encroachment
Our problem in that place is the alley encroachment.
Interviewer: opo
Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: oo may mga ano din diyan dito pa, sa area na ito naman, itong alley na ito
patay na,
Some of the alleys here are dead/gone.
Interviewer: patay na?
Gone?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, kasi eh mga mayayaman yan eh, medyo hindi iniisip na mahal yan eh.
Parang ang maganada sana diyan eh yong flow eh marami, tsaka at the same time itong
mga _______ dito sa Engrs. Hill kasi parang nawala na rin yong ano, yong side walking
Yes, because the rich ones didnt mind if it cost much and it is better if there are
lots of walking space for the people in Engineers Hill.
Interviewer: yong side walk po yong problem?
Is sidewalks the problem?
Brgy.Capt.: encroachment din ng side walk ang, kaya yan ang sa ngayon kung may way
pa sana kasi ang balak ko kasi eh sympre bago pa naman tong, ipapresurvey mo muna
sana para alam mo talaga kung saan ba talaga yong side walk, kung saan ba yong
boundary ng property nila. Yon ang.. ang problema na lumalabas don eh funding,
One problem is the encroachment of the sidewalks. If there is only a way, I want to
have a resurvey to be able to know where the sidewalk is and where the boundary
of their property is but in that case, it shows to have another problem with the
funding.
Interviewer: ai funding?
Funding?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, kasi ang budget ng barangay is limited. Ngayon Kaya dapat sa ngayon sa
mga necessities lang yon. Ngayon kung iaano mo sa ilaallot mo dito, sa mga survey
syempre babayaran mo yong mga Geodetic Engr. Ganun ganun, ahh.. ang disbursement
kasi ng pundo ai hindi batsa basta, eh kung maliit lang yong pondo mo, ipapabidding mo
yan kasi public fund yan eh, alam mo naman kung sino kakagat na mga Geodetic
Engr.,halimbawa mga P30,000 yon considering ipapasurvey mo na lahat ng Engrs. Hill,
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specifically kung dito kayo sa mga alleys, sidewalks, medyo malaki na rin yong area. Yon
ang gusto ko sana mangyari.
Yes, because the budget of the barangay is only limited and it is only alloted for
the necessities. If we will allot the money for making a lot survey, it is not that
easy to make it happen especially when we have a low budget, we will need to
conduct a bidding for it will be coming from the public fund. Example if someone
would like the P30,000.00 as a payment already for a survey specifically on alleys
and sidewalk for the whole barangay that will be better
Interviewer: palawakin po yong?
To make widening?
Brgy.Capt.: ahh hindi.. susundin lang yong tamang ano, kung halimbawa sa subdivision,
kung mga alleys na toh o sa mga roads natin is 5 meters, yon lang iimplemetnt kasi ang
nangyari noon may 5 meters dito, tong lot na ito naka encroach na, parang ganun. ah
walang.., ibig sabihin para mas maganda sana tignan o yong safety ng tao ganun hindi
lang yong safety ng bahay na ito, kasi ginawa na itong flower box eh ganyan, yong iba
eh ginawa ng extend, ginawa ng garage yong ano at approach na ng garage so ang
parang yong purpose nitong subdivision plan, parang hindi na nasunod. Yon ang isang
parang malaking parang problema dito saamin kaysa sa barangay, walang parang proper
implementation nung solid plan. Ah yong iba naman yong implemtation ng mga
infrastructure project,
Not like that, its just that we need to follow the specifications. Example in
subdivision if the required alleys is 5 meters then it should be followed, unlike
before that there were some encroachment that has been done. Some people will
make it as a box or as a garage or as an extension of their garage. It is nicer to see
and it is also for the safety of the people if they will just follow the specification.
Not following it is one of the problem and there is no proper implementation of the
solid plan.
Interviewer: opo
Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: gaya nung mga canal ganun,
Like Canlas
Interviewer: canal?
Canals?
Brgy.Capt.: drainage, sewer, di rin nasusunod yong tamang ano specification.
Drainage, sewer lines, they were not followed in their specifications.
Interviewer: opo
Okay sir
Brgy.Capt.: Oo, dapat eh, sabi ko nga ngayon, bago tayo magbudget. Magplano muna.
Ano bang gusto natin sa lugar na ito sa specific area na ito. Consider, halimbawa yong,
sewer line, drainage
Yes, it should be like we need to plan first before budgeting. We need to know the
things we like to consider in a specific place.
Interviewer: Opo.
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Yes sir.
Brgy.Capt.: Ano pa ba mga ilalagay natin? Dapat mag cross site na tayo ng mga 10 years
from now, para yong tubo na ilalagay natin meron na pang 5 years or 10 yars na
population ganun
What else can we add? We need to cross site the future 10 years from now so the
pipe for example will be ready for a 5-10 years population.
Interviewer: opo, aii. In terms po sa infrastructure meron po ba kayong gusto palitan or
iimprove?
Okay sir. In terms of infrastructure, do you have something to change or improve?
Brgy.Capt.: marami naman, marami naman, lalo na dito sa kwan, kasi gusto ko kasi ma
maximize yong potential ng Engrs. Hill. As of now kasi ano, yong ahh.. over flow nung
CBD dito na napupunta saamin eh.
Yes there is, especially here. I like to maximize the potential of Engineers hill
because of the over flow in the CBD. They are coming to us.
Interviewer: Opo.
okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: Yong ano naming, so yon ang gusto kong matake advantage. Ang balak ko
kasi sa seniors citizen building na maliit doon na sa may nakapark, doon sa dulo ng
court.
That is what I want to take advantage. Im also thinking about the senior citizens
building which is the small one located in the end of the court
Interviewer: Opo.
Yes sir.
Brgy.Capt.: eh gagawin ko na rin na multi-level na structure at the same time
multipurpose na
To make it a multi-level structure at the same time as a multipurpose building.
Interviewer: ai saan na po banda dito yong , dito po? (pointing to the map)
In here, where it is located sir?
Brgy.Capt.: ai hindi, dito sa area na ito.
not there, it is in here.
Interviewer: ai diyan po sa area?
in that area sir?
Brgy.Capt.: oo, diyan sa may tunog tunog. Dito sa baba, dito sa baba, yon ang ano
namin. Makikita mo sa dulo ng court na ito yong may single dwelling na parang bungalo.
Yon ang senior citizens building. Ngayon kasi ang gusto ko kasi multi-level na para yong
senior it remains sa ground floor tapos yong isa ipaupa mo na or conferne room
livelihood center ganun, yon ang parang at the same time ganito rin, eh parang kung
naano mo yong sa CBD kailanganng magamit din natin. Kasi malalaki din yong bill dito
eh. Halos ganito din yong size. So ito rin gagawin din naming parang conference
room,tapos sa baba ililipat naming yong day care. As of now kasi may tennant kami
diyan eh, bale 2 so ipapaupa na namin lahat para kumita din yong barangay. Ililipat lang
naming yong day care doon sa other.. sa senior citezens. Yon lang kasi ang bale ang
nagiging kwan ko young sources, ang amin kasi kung sa barangay kwan siguro Malaki
13

lang siguro more or less one million lang so consider mo yong materiales halos kalahati
lang nagagawa nun.
Yes, here. Youll see a single dwelling at the end of the court and that is the senior
citizens building. I like it to be a multi-level and the senior citizens will still remain
at the ground floor and the other areas will be for rent or it could be a conference
room or a business center. The bill here in the barangay is costly and so we found
a way to help in getting resource by having a renting space atlower ground floor of
the barangay.
Interviewer: ahmm interms po for environmental parang?
In terms of environmental, is there any?
Brgy.Capt.: sa environmental naman, limited na yong space namin pero pinipilit naming
na imaximize yong mga garden yong mga grills, nireretain namin as much as possible
hindi ko na pinalalagyan na yon ng mga .. may green na, sinasabi ko sa mga council
hwag nalang nating lagyang ng structure yan
in environmental, we have a limitied space for that but we are trying our best to
maximize the use of garden or any vacant lots which is green. We retain the area
and Im not allowing them to make use of it and asking them to not put something
on that place.
Interviewer: Opo.
Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: leave it as an open space na lang. For future or malay natin,baka alam mo
naman maging urban gardening ngayon pwedeng maliit lang space pero maraming
clase mailalagay natin. Ngayon sa environment, at the same time kasi mahigpit din kami
sa monitoring ng mga garbage disposal at tsaka segregation at the same time kami eh
talagang umiikot, ginagamit naming yong CCTV pag may nakita kaming nagkalat,
tinatawagan pa mga naming eh, sinusulatan ko pa nga dito.
Im telling them to leave it at it is. We cant tell that maybe one day this become
an urban gardening where there is a small space but have many contributions to
us. In terms in environment, we are also strict in monitoring the segregation and
disposing of the garbage. We monitor the cleanliness by the use of CCTV cameras
like when we caught someone, we will address them and ask them to go to the
barangay or sometimes we send letters to them.
Interviewer: Opo.
Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.:: pinapapunta ko rin dito.
Sometimes I ask them to go here.
Interviewer: sir saan po yong mga CCTV niyo dito?
Sir what are the places here with CCTVs?
Brgy.Capt.: nandito, dito, dito sa mismong talipapa, dito, meron din dito sa alley na toh,
(pointing to the map) mga walo yong existing pero kulang pa din. Actually
pinoprogramming pa naming mga additional 10 cameras pa to maximize and at the
same time pa kasi, kaya naming pinipilit magkaroon ng madaming CCTV kasi wala
tayong tanod, wala kaming tanod. Walang allocation kasi eh. so, gusto nga namin na
14

ano, wala rin lang so sabi ko nga dito na lang tayo sa CCTV. Hopefully hopefully, sana
maapprove ako sa budget natin sa year 2017 lahat na ng alley na to, lahat malalagayana
na. Nakita niyo yong monitor ng CCTV?
Here, here in Talipapa, here in the alley. We have 8 existing cameras which are
functioning well. But because it isnt enough, we are programming to have 10
more additional CCTV cameras. We are also pushing it to have more for monitoring
purposes because we lack of barangay tanod which have been removed and so
thats why.
Interviewer: Opo.
Okay sir.
Brgy.Capt.: diyan nakikita ko kayo pag papunta na kayo tas magtatatago na ko eh (joked
and laughed)
that way I know when to hide because I can also see you in the CCTV monitor that
youll be coming. ( joked and laughed)
Eto, doon sa baba part ng cabinet Hill kaya hindi medyo hindi masyadong.. **interrupts
Interviewer: Sir meron po ba kayo nung Development plan para po sa 2017?
Sir do you already have the Development plan for 2017?
Brgy.Capt.: prinoprogram pa namin. Actually iikot kami sa bukas. Bukas kasi clean up
drive namin sabi ko sa sakanila iano na din naming, I take advantage na rin naming na
kasi yong available budget naming for development is almost 1 million, so sabi ko bago
tayo mag implement lets go around sabi ko para Makita natin, siguro after a month
siguro, meron na yon, kasi gagawa na kami ng budget eh. Planning muna kami bago
mag ano ng bago.
We are on the process of programming it. Actually we will be going around
tomorrow because it is the day of our clean up drive. We will take advantage of it
by maximizing the time by doing the clean-up drive and going around to see what
the needs to be implemented. We also need to plan it first before making it.
Interviewer: yong sa 2016 po?
How about the 2016 sir?
Brgy.Capt.: implementad na yong sa 2016. Yong CCTV, yong Covered Court, tsaka
business center, madami na kaming naano. Implemented na yong 2016. Ang hindi lang
naimplement is yong sa disaster risk reduction management. Which is 132,000 ngayon
hindi pa naming naproprogram kasi gusto ko nga kasi ma maximize mo kung ano ba
talaga ang kailangan namin. Halimbawa dito naman sa Engrs hill hindi naman siya flood
prone area, hindi siya slide prone. Yon ang inaano ko kung saan yong malaks yong
impact tas malaki yong mga halimbawa fire ganun diba? yon ang iistudy namin. Yon
ang pupuntahan namin. Kasama na siguro yon sa planning namin itong pagimplement
ngayong 2017.
2016s development plan was already implemented. The CCTVs, covered court,
business center and more. What has not been implemented was the disaster risk
reduction management because we want to assure and maximize what the needs
in risk reduction are because these place is isnt a flood prone area nor slide prone
area. We are studying on where there could be a large of impact in case of a
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disaster here in our barangay.In here, this could be implement in the development
in 2017.

16

DOCUMENTATION

Barangay Captain of Engineers hill Amado M. Felizardo, showing to the group the natural elements found in
the area (forest reserve, creek and terrain) and the location of other existing old structures such as
bunkhouses. He is also discussing about the development he wishes for the barangay.

This is again the Barangay captain pointing at the Barnagay map and showing to the group the location of
the cctvs that were installed around the barangay. He is also showing where the cases of encroachment
and squatting are prevalent which is located at the southeast part of the barangay.
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The group is interviewing Kagawad Pacifico L. Castro, jr (Committee on Lands, Infrastructure and Tourism)
who is the oldest member,about the history of Barangay Engineers hill.

The group interviewing the Barangay captain on the current situation of the barangay.

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This is the DPWH CAR located engineers hill

The DILG building also located at engineers hll

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NATURAL ELEMENTS IN BARANGAY ENGINEERS HILL

a) Brief history of Engineers Hill Barangay
During the pre-war and post war of the second world war, engineers hill was the
location of the bureau of public works, the agency responsible for the construction,
maintenance, and development of road, bridges, public buildings and other
government utilities of the city and nearby Benguet provinces. It was also in this
area where the head officer, the district engineer resides together with his
engineers, staffs and labourers. Thus the name engineers hill was appropriately
used.
In 1946, houses have sprouted around the dormitories of the lower portion of
this barangay. The people have squatted and constructed their shanties, because
they cannot be accommodated in any of the dormitories and cottages. Since then,
they have multiplies and have acquired the lots they have built their homes.
In 1970, neighbourhood association was creates and organized purposely to
apply for ownership of the government lots they earnestly desired. Lots around the
bureau of public works were awarded, through republic art 1361, republic act 1481
and proclamation 773, opening the gateway to construction of residential houses.
Dormitories were demolishes to dive away to the deserving lot applicants and
awardees. During these years, old forestry compound has to be merged with this
barangay since this compound does not meet the minimum number of residents
required to stand as one barangay.
b) Existing Natural Elements

The terrain of the barangay is generally hilly. Some areas of Engineers hill have
rolling slopes while some areas also have relatively flat areas. The barangay is
bounded by three major roads which are the: South Drive, Marcoville st. and the
upper session road. It has a land area of 11.09 hectares and it is situated at the
CBD area of the city.
Creek
There is an existing creek in engineers hill which is 3m wide and that passes
through Marcoville, east of the barangay then to cabinet hill and then to
Balili river which is at La Trinidad then it will exit to La Union. Continuous flow
of water is observed even during summer times.
Forest reserve
Some portion of the forestry which is the Forbes Park is also located within
Engineers Hill. Most of the trees present are pinetrees. The forestry also has
a sloping terrain. The forestry is considered as a watershed and it is being
preserved and Maintained by the Organization the Girls Scout of the
Philippines. Even during the time of American colonial the watershed is
already being protected.
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The barangay has not experienced or have experiencing landslides and flooding- This is
due to the hilly terrain of the area.
c) PRESENT CONDITION OF NATURAL ELEMENTS (DEVELOPMENTS)
The present condition of the creek is not pleasant according to the barangay captain.
Surrounding the creek are houses some which do not have appropriate plumbing system
directs their waste pipes to the creek, While some residents also throw their collected
garbage. The environmental effect of this is not being felt by the localities surrounding
the creek in engineers hill since their location is uphill, those affected are the ones
situated at the lower level or along Balili River. Although in the past, the barangay are
doing cleaning programs in this area they eventually discontinued it since the residents
are still continuing doing it.
For the present condition of the forest reserve it is being utilized a s a watershed
although the area of it is already decreasing since some portion of the reserve are
awarded to residents as their residential lot and also squatting is prevalent in the area.
Although the barangay captain did not cite any problems for the decreased area of the
forestry since the most of the residential lots located in that area are titled and
processed. As for the squatters located at the watershed, the captain said that he
cannot do anything about it since it is the DENRs responsibility to take action. And he
also cited that other residents of other barangays are also squatting in the area.

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II.

Problems and Solutions

The encroachment of houses to major roads, alleys and sidewalks is a

problem the barangay wishes to take action to. This is due since some alleys
are complete covered by houses. The 5 meter road before is now 4 meters
due to the encroachment of houses. Some alleys are still passable but the
space is tight. The barangay wishes to take action to this problem and
prevent such actions to happen again to make roads and alleys usable again.

The barangay also wishes to improve the conditions of the residents living
near the creek area. The barangay captain also proposes to have a
condominium structure to house the residents in that area. The purpose of
this is to improve the physical quality of that area through proper developing
and planning ( ex. correct easements ) and also to improve the
environmental situation that is happening in that area which is not good.
With proper planning and development of houses in the future cases such as
this will be prevented, said the captain.

The aim of the barangay for the development of engineers hill is that to
maximize its potential in commerce since it is near the CBD area.

As for the case of the decreasing forestry, the captain does not have the
power and to evict the people residing in that area. The DENR has the
responsibility and must take action.

26