Hotel-Mall-Car Park To Rise In Burnham Park Soon? Baguio Residents Set To Oppose

As Baguio City struggles with problems of congestion, traffic and garbage, local government keeps on looking for ways to address some of these problems. The City Council proposed the construction of a multi-use and multi-level parking building in Burnham Park.

The proposal however drew various reactions from different sectors when it was presented during a public consultation on March 21. It is part of the implementation of a master development plan for the city park under a proposed city ordinance, according to Sun Star Baguio.

Strong Reactions: Baguio Residents Set To Oppose

The proposal to construct a multi-use building at the old city auditorium in Burnham Park comes from private firm XRC Mall Development Inc. The 800 million project will come under a private-public-partnership (PPP) and will accommodate up to 500 cars and 15 tourist buses, will have a commercial mall and a 100-room hotel.

Urban planner and architect Jodie Alabanza, who was present during the consultation, opposed the plan. He says that having high-rise buildings in the park is a deviation from its original design. He specifically said, “It will destroy the character of Burnham Park.” He also noted that there are other areas that can be considered such as the vacant lot at the DPS compound.

Residents also took to social media to voice their opposition. Most of them lament the potential loss of green, open spaces, while others express anger at the economic motives behind the proposal.

Next Consultations Set For April 6 and 11

Councilor Edgar Avila, who heads the committee on urban planning and authored the ordinance, cites that the proposed master development plan is backed by an independent study done by the University of the Cordilleras in 2010. The Baguio We Want Forum on Facebook noted however that the plan is 8 years old and based on the state of Baguio during that time.

The local government will continue its series of public consultations where it hopes to gather other proposals. It also calls on residents and stakeholders to join the meetings to voice their concerns. The Baguio We Want Forum is mobilizing people to attend the next consultation on April 11, 9 a.m. which be held at the Sangguniang Panglunsod, at City Hall.

An ongoing petition signing campaign called Save Burnham Park was launched at the University of the Philippines Baguio IB Lobby on April 2. There is also an online petition via Change.org.

Councilors Stand Firm On Proposal

Despite public uproar, Councilor Benny Bomogao who heads the committee on public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation stands firm on his stand that parking is much needed in the central business district. This is in reaction to calls not to construct the parking facility inside Burnham Park.

According to Sun Star Baguio, Bomogao said that there are no more available spaces apart from the Ganza parking. He also cited that other proposals to use other areas outside the CBD means the city government needs to purchase these lots.