IN ORDER for visitors to fully enjoy Baguio, Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. suspended the number coding scheme of the city.

By virtue of Administrative Order 169, Bautista suspended the coding scheme starting November 11, 2009 to January 1, 2010.

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“I suspended the number coding scheme so that tourists and visitors will enjoy the Christmas season,” Bautista said.

The suspension was also partly because of the upcoming conventions: the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Conventions.

The much-awaited 60th Fil-Am Invitational will also tee off during the period.

Bautista said thousands of delegates, participants, tourists, and balik-bayans are also expected during the duration of the suspension.

He explained: “There is a need to provide a comfortable and stress-free journey for our guests by affording them the convenience and freedom of going to their respective program venues and lodging and for them likewise tour and explore the various tourist attractions of the city in the comfort of their personal vehicles.”

The suspension of the number coding scheme was based on section 7 of the coding ordinance, which states “the City Mayor under certain conditions may suspend through an administrative order the implementation of the number coding.”

The Baguio City Police Office Traffic Management Branch and the Public Order and Safety Division - Traffic Division will implement the order.

The AO will also exempt hired or rented public utility vehicles of visitors, tourists or vacationers and participants from the implementation of the number coding scheme upon presentation of proper identification.

The city is hoping to get back to its feet during the Christmas season because of previous loses in the tourism industry. (Visha Calventas)