Burnham master plan released to city gov’t

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – A master plan for Burnham Park has been turned over to the City Government here by academic officials of the University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation), headed by UC President Ricardo Pama, last Friday at the City Hall, Multi-purpose hall.

The master plan was received by Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. and other city officials; with Cordelia Lacsamana of the City Environment and Parks Management Office.

Bautista, Jr., in his acceptance message, said plan is one of the accomplishments of his administration, and “fitting conclusion” to his term.

The plan includes studies and design of a futuristic park; with the model scale soon to be displayed at the city hall lobby.

The plan was anchored on several sessions done last year with stakeholders; businessmen, sportsmen, architects and planners, senior citizens, academicians, technical people, and the Baguio Centennial Commission.

During the planning sessions last year, Councilor Pinky Rondez, said the plan should be a short and long-range “management of site resources.” This resulted to areas in the park for the preservation of historic value, Cordilleran culture and arts, environmental or “green” architecture, special places for athletics, senior citizens, children’s space, botanical and zoological areas. There would also be food stalls, a multi-level parking, boating at the refurbished lighted lake, rental and bicycling areas.

The Melvin Jones area was also planned as world standard football ground to include a renovated grandstand and bleachers at the Athletic Bowl, cultural showcase space at the Igorot Park and the Rose Garden.

The orchidarium, which earlier has started restoration, is also included in the plan.

UC President Pama gave a background of the plan which included dreams and visions of the late UC (BCF) president Benjamin Salvosa way back in 1945; as he viewed the city in shambles from the war.

Bautista, Jr., bared an initial funding of P125 million with outgoing congressman Mauricio Domogan, as commitment of the Philippine Tourism Authority for the city’s park.

Bond flotation is also being mulled for stake holders. A Burnham Park Foundation, of private citizens in coordination with the city government is being eyed for the continuing maintenance of the place, Bautista said.

Bautista, Jr. said rehabilitation of the park came a long way, as outgoing president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo realized in December 2007 that the park was a national property, thus, the turn-over to the city in January of 2008.

Vice-Mayor Daniel Farinas said a feasibility study is needed for long-term maintenance budget, to make the Burnham plan facilities a reality.