No ban on taking photos at Baguio’s Lion’s Head, says Magalong

The mayor of Baguio City clarified that there is no ban preventing photo activities at the popular Lion’s Head along Kennon Road. 

In a social media post shared Tuesday by the Baguio City Public Information Office, Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained the city does not prohibit photograph-taking sessions in front of the famous landmark but is strictly not allowing vehicles to stop along the road especially directly in front of the structure during heavy traffic to prevent congestion. 

This after media outlets and netizens criticized tarpaulins raised by authorities which they said were meant to deter motorists from taking pictures of the iconic landmark, who said the practice could cause a slowdown in traffic along the major thoroughfare. 

When traffic conditions are light, visitors are allowed to stop at designated parking spaces where they can safely park, get down and take pictures, authorities said.

“Hindi naman totally bina-ban ang picture-taking. Ang pinaka-critical na consideration is the traffic condition,” the mayor added. 

The 40-foot tall statue was constructed from 1971-72. Lions Club members of Baguio commissioned an Ifugao artist named Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac to carve out the lion’s head from a limestone boulder with a group of engineers and miners. This was then followed by the actual artistic carving of the façade made by the late sculptor Anselmo B. Day-ag. Since then it has been a must-see attraction for many visitors of the City of Pines.

Magalong assured the public that tourists can still enjoy the landmark and take photos, as long as they obey traffic rules and prioritize road safety. 

He added traffic flow remains the top priority in the area. 

Baguio City Police Office Director P/Colonel Ruel Tagel said the city has been enforcing the "No Stopping  at Anytime" rule in front of the statue.   

In the PIO post, Tagel claimed tarpaulins meant to enhance visibility of the spot where stopping was prohibited was mistaken by many as a sign that picture-taking was prohibited.  He said he ordered the immediate removal of the tarps. —RF, GMA News