Republic Act 11932: Establishing the MBLISTTDA 

Republic Act No. 11932, officially titled "An Act Creating the Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA), Defining Its Powers and Functions, and Providing Funds Therefor," lapsed into law on July 30, 2022. This landmark legislation addresses the need for a coordinated and integrated approach to development and service delivery within the contiguous areas of Baguio City and the municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay in Benguet, collectively known as BLISTT.

The primary purpose of RA 11932 is to establish a government instrumentality that will serve as the central planning, coordinating, and regulatory body for the MBLISTT area. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these areas and the shared challenges they face, such as urban development, traffic management, solid waste disposal, flood control, and the provision of basic services, the Act aims to foster accelerated social, economic, and political development while respecting the autonomy of the individual local government units (LGUs).

Key provisions of Republic Act 11932 include:

• Creation of the MBLISTTDA: Establishes the Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay Development Authority as a government instrumentality attached to the Office of the President.
• Mandate and Scope of Services: The MBLISTTDA is mandated to formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, programs, and projects that are area-wide in scope. This includes services such as development planning, urban renewal and land use planning, transport and traffic management, solid waste disposal and management, flood control and sewerage management, water resource6 development and management, health and sanitation, pollution control, and public safety and order.
• MBLISTT Council: Creates a governing board and policy-making body, the MBLISTT Council, composed of the Governor of Benguet and the mayors of the component LGUs as ex officio voting members, along with representatives from relevant national government agencies.
• MBLISTTDA Administrator: Provides for the appointment of an Administrator who will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Authority.
• Powers and Functions: Grants the MBLISTTDA various powers and functions necessary to carry out its mandate, including the ability to formulate plans, implement programs, promulgate rules and regulations, and coordinate with concerned LGUs and national government agencies.
• Funding: Outlines the sources of funding for the MBLISTTDA, including appropriations from the General Appropriations Act and the power to levy fines and accept grants.

Baguio City Representative Marquez "Mark" Go was a principal author of House Bill No. 9215, the foundational bill that eventually became Republic Act 11932. He played a significant role in initiating and championing the creation of the MBLISTTDA in the House of Representatives. His authorship signifies his recognition of the need for a unified body to address the metropolitan challenges of Baguio and its surrounding municipalities and his commitment toเห็นชอบ the legislative process that led to its enactment. While the Senate version of the bill would have had its own sponsors, Congressman Go's role as a principal author of the House version highlights his crucial contribution to bringing this legislation to fruition.

The establishment of the MBLISTTDA through RA 11932 is a significant step towards integrated development planning and service delivery in the BLISTT area, aiming to address common issues more effectively and promote sustainable growth for the benefit of its residents. The involvement of legislators like Mark Go from the concerned areas was instrumental in pushing for the passage of this important law.