Burnham Lake rehab reaches 90%; Baguio tightens boat safety rules

BAGUIO CITY — The rehabilitation of Burnham Lake is about 90% complete and remains on track for completion by the end of July, although the contractor may be granted additional time if warranted by higher construction costs and external economic pressures, according to the Baguio City government.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, together with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), inspected the ongoing rehabilitation project on June 29 and said the overall progress was satisfactory despite workmanship issues that still require correction before completion, the city’s Public Information Office (PIO) said.

The remaining deficiencies will be included in a punch list, while city officials urged the contractor to accelerate the remaining work to meet the target completion date.

“So we’re looking at end of July. Kung hindi, pwede naman nilang i-extend kasi nga nagkaroon pa tayo ng energy crisis, syempre tumaas lahat ng mga bilihin. So siguro intindihin na lang natin. Bigyan natin sila ng konsiderasyon.” (“So we’re looking at the end of July. If not, they can request an extension because we experienced an energy crisis and, of course, the prices of goods increased. So perhaps we should understand the situation and give them some consideration.”), Magalong said, according to the PIO.

The mayor also raised concerns over the condition of boats operated by concessionaires at Burnham Lake, saying several no longer meet the city’s safety standards and must be replaced.

“Hindi ko sila papayagang mag-business dito kung hindi ko nakikita na talagang maayos yung mga boats na ilalagay nila rito.” (“I will not allow them to operate a business here unless I see that the boats they will use here are truly in good condition.”), he said.

Magalong said only boats that comply with the city’s safety requirements will be allowed to operate, adding that passenger safety remains the local government’s priority.

The inspection also included discussions on the proposed second phase of the Burnham Park development, which is expected to cover improvements to the Children’s Park, Rose Garden, skating rink and nearby areas.

According to the PIO, the city is targeting a possible groundbreaking for Phase 2 by August, although project cost adjustments may be needed because of rising material prices.

Funding for the first phase remains stable, the PIO added.

The Burnham Lake rehabilitation project forms part of the city’s broader effort to upgrade one of Baguio’s most visited public parks while improving public safety and park facilities.