The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched on Thursday its first sustainable green office building here that will serve the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

In her speech, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the PHP260 million, seven-story building at a 435-square meter land at Cabinet Hill where other government agency offices are also located, has solar panels, generator set, and sewage treatment plan.

“Indeed, this facility shows our commitment to sustainability and will truly be an innovation in CAR,” she said.

DBM’s official residence in the region also has automatic door system, silent type generator, a cistern or water reservoir for the fire sprinkler system, elevator, closed circuit television, centralized exhaust system and a basement parking.

It also has childcare area, clinic, and multipurpose hall for 100 people.

The green building was also made of glass walls, allowing natural lighting to enter the structure.

Pangandaman said that since Baguio City is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City, it embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

“In this vibrant environment, we proudly establish our first permanent home in the region. It will not only serve as an operation hub but also as an avenue to support the local community,” she said.

Irene Gahid, DBM-CAR regional director, in a press conference on the sidelines of the event, said the agency has been moving from one location to another for 36 years.

Among these areas is the building along Bonifacio Street, where DBM stayed for 16 years and paid PHP1.1 million a year in rentals, and at the Procurement Service office of DBM in Brgy. Legarda-Burnham, where although it stayed for free, it has a cramped working environment.

“DBM-CAR started with four employees including the director. Now, we have 34 personnel including me. We expect to save much with this green building because we have free solar lighting and a natural source of lighting,” she added.

More green buildings

Pangandaman said they will be inaugurating the regional office in Davao which has similar features as the Cordillera regional office.

“We will adopt these kinds of modern facilities because it is more sustainable,” she added. (PNA)