‘Photo op’ still okay at lion’s head–mayor
BAGUIO CITY—Tourists on their way to Baguio need not worry about missing a photo opportunity at Lion’s Head along Kennon Road as Mayor Benjamin Magalong clarified on Tuesday that the city government is not preventing visitors from doing so at the landmark.
“It is not that we are totally banning picture-taking. The most critical consideration is the traffic condition,” the mayor explained.
However, vehicles are not allowed to stop directly in front of the structure when traffic is heavy to prevent congestion. Magalong stressed that maintaining traffic flow remains the top priority in the area, urging motorists and tourists to follow road rules.
The 12.19-meter (40-feet) Lion’s Head, carved from a limestone boulder along the zigzag road and unveiled through the initiative of the Baguio Lions Club in 1972, is a popular stop for tourists entering or leaving the city. The structure has become one of the iconic landmarks of Baguio, the country’s summer capital.
Col. Ruel Tagel, Baguio City police director, said authorities have been enforcing a “No Stopping Anytime” rule directly in front of the landmark, with drivers advised to find safe parking spots away from it.
Tagel said confusion arose after a tarpaulin signage meant to highlight the no-stopping zone was misinterpreted by the public as a prohibition on picture-taking. He has since ordered the signage’s immediate removal.
The installation of such signages came following an earlier pronouncement from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who sought to curb roadside stops and photo opportunities in the area, citing traffic congestion.
Relocate stalls
But Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan, a former longtime mayor, had told authorities to focus on improving overall traffic management in the area.
“Any tourist coming to Baguio generally says you haven’t seen Baguio if you haven’t seen the Lion’s Head,” Domogan said, stressing the landmark’s importance as a major attraction.
The real issue, he said, is the presence of souvenir and food stalls dangerously perched on roadside slopes. Domogan suggested developing an alternative area behind the Lion’s Head for this purpose.
The proposal includes relocating stalls, building a café and restaurant, and installing public toilets designed to blend with the landscape. He said the plan, which is expected to be presented to the city government soon, would also consider environmental impact.
