Baguio: The city government is seeking the help of the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to fund the improvement and upgrade of a 50-year-old sewerage treatment plant (STP) tagged as the cause of water pollution. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called the attention of the city government anew to address the water pollution at Balili River.

According to Philippines News Agency, TIEZA is willing to assist after the loan application with the Asian Development Bank did not push through. Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized in a media interview that the STP upgrade is a priority. He mentioned that TIEZA is very enthusiastic about receiving the feasibility study results to begin the process. They plan to conduct bidding and fast-track the implementation within two years.

The project involves upgrading the STP, which was initially designed for a limited number of households, along with improvements to pipelines and sludge management. Mayor Magalong also stated that the city would still pursue a loan, potentially from the United Kingdom, to complete the project with favorable terms.

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Mark Lapid had previously committed to supporting the city government even before the coronavirus pandemic. The Department of Tourism agency primarily obtains its funds from the PHP1,620 travel tax paid by Filipinos traveling abroad. In 2025, TIEZA collected PHP8.7 billion.