Baguio saves ₱30M yearly, crime rate dips with LED lighting shift

Insider Spotlight

• Baguio’s switch to LED lights slashes energy costs by 70%
• Crime incidents drop 53% with brighter, safer streets
• Tourists and businesses praise better night markets, safer city
  
  

Baguio City, the country’s Summer Capital, is proving that smart infrastructure isn’t just about beautification — it’s about safety, savings, and sustainability. 

The city’s partnership with global lighting leader Signify has transformed its streets with LED lighting, delivering major wins for residents, businesses, and tourists alike.

The big picture

Mayor Benjamin Magalong revealed that Baguio’s old streetlights cost the city P4.9 million monthly. Switching to LED slashed that bill to just P1.5 million to P1.6 million, yielding P30 million in annual savings. 

Benjamin Magalong

Mayor, Baguio City

Why it matters

The shift isn’t just about lower bills. It’s about safety and quality of life. Police data shows a 53-percent drop in crime incidents since 2019, as criminals hesitate in well-lit streets.

PMAJ Roger Kurt Pacificar said:  “Napakalaking bagay po yan na kapag maliwanag, talagang magdadalawang-isip ang mga kriminal.” (That’s a big deal because when an area is well-lit, criminals tend to think twice)

The brighter lights also extended social life beyond daylight, fueling Baguio’s famous night markets and boosting local commerce.

Tourism gets a glow-up

Visitors are noticing the difference.

“This is my second time roaming around the Baguio Night Market. The first time I went here, it was not well-lighted. So I think it’s better that it’s this bright now, because it’s more organized and a better experience for consumers,” said Sophia, a Balikbayan tourist. 

Councilor Rocky Aliping highlighted the tourist draw:  “There was really an improvement of the street lighting systems in the City of Baguio… Look at Session Road, look at Harrison Road; that’s why we have our night market. That’s what tourists really love to visit.”

Trust and good governance

For Magalong, the project is proof that good governance works when paired with the right partners. “One of the things we are proud of here in Baguio is that there is no corruption,” he said, underscoring why the city chose Philips-branded solutions from Signify.

The bottom line

What seems like a simple change in lighting is, in fact, a blueprint for sustainable urban progress. By cutting costs, boosting safety, and enhancing tourism, Baguio shows how innovation can brighten not just streets, but futures. ---Ed: Princess Daisy Ominga