Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Benjamin Magalong, conduct an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation and improvement works at the Summer Capital’s premier tourist area on Thursday, February 26. Renan Diwas, the city environment officer, provided an update on the project, which is expected to be completed by May. Photo by Primo Agatep.
The rehabilitation of Burnham Lake is on track for completion by May, as the national government pushes ahead with a major upgrade of one of Baguio City’s most iconic public spaces.
Officials from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the city government conducted an on-site inspection on February 26 to assess progress on the ongoing works at Burnham Park, a century-old landmark at the heart of the Summer Capital.
TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid and Benjamin Magalong led the inspection of the lake redevelopment, which is part of a three-phase rehabilitation of the park funded by a ₱400-million allocation from the national government.
The broader project also covers upgrades to the Children’s Park and the Skating Rink, aimed at improving safety, visitor experience, and environmental sustainability.
Lapid said his visit focused on fast-tracking and integrating the different phases of redevelopment, with particular emphasis on improving water quality, restoring ecological balance, and enhancing park facilities.
While TIEZA acknowledged a slight delay in the works, Lapid pointed to unexpected conditions encountered during dredging, particularly the nature of the soil, which required additional adjustments.
Ongoing improvements at Burnham Lake include the construction of retaining walls, walkways, and designated docking points to enhance safety for both visitors and boat operators. Mayor Magalong said the lake rehabilitation is now about 40 percent complete, with slope protection works already 70 percent finished, expressing confidence in the quality and pace of construction.
Addressing concerns from boat operators, Magalong stressed that operating at the lake remains a privilege, noting that improvements to the area should be matched by investments in safer and better equipment.
He added that specific waterways will be designated for boating, and a two-meter docking area will be established to put a premium on safety. Before the lake’s closure for renovation, eight operators were active, each allowed up to 15 boats.
Lapid also reaffirmed TIEZA’s commitment to help the city establish a long-delayed Sewerage Treatment Plant, a critical component in protecting the lake’s water quality. Plans for the facility had been initiated by TIEZA and the city government before the COVID-19 pandemic stalled progress. City officials said Baguio has already faced penalties for the absence of an STP, warning that more serious environmental and regulatory problems could emerge if the issue remains unresolved.
Magalong estimated that about ₱1.3 billion would be needed to build the STP alone, excluding the costs of pipelines and sludge management.
Beyond Baguio, Lapid said TIEZA continues to pursue its mandate to expand tourism infrastructure across the Cordillera, citing tourism centers already established in Banaue, Ifugao, and Sagada in Mountain Province. He added that TIEZA, which generated ₱8.5 billion in revenues in fiscal year 2025, plans to rehabilitate 10 domestic airports by expanding runways, a move he said could help airlines lower airfares by improving operational efficiency.