BAGUIO CITY — Burnham Lake reopens on Baguio Day, restoring both the mountain city’s central gathering space and a vital livelihood for boat operators.
“Siyempre, sa amin is magandang kabuhayan kasi although nagtiyaga naman din kami na wala kaming business for almost a year,” said Vevian, a swan boat operator for 25 years who requested to withhold her surname.
The reopening of the rehabilitated lake is expected to bring more than just visitors back to one of Baguio City’s iconic attractions as longtime boat operators prepare to return to work after nearly a year without income.
The reopening is a welcome development for the city’s recognized boat operators. It represents a return to livelihood while marking a new chapter for park operations following a major infrastructure upgrade funded through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in tandem with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO).
According to CEPMO Engineer Jaquilyn C. Tino, the project carried an appropriation of ₱100 million, with a final contract cost of ₱98,927,284.07. Beyond clearing the lake bed, the extensive works included installing retaining walls, a walking pathway, bleacher seating areas, hardscape plant boxes, and a specialized perimeter drainage and cistern tank system designed to capture surface runoff and manage rainwater overflow.
“So, ang ginawa natin doon is retaining wall, yung decking… and then sitting areas. Tapos yung hardscapes natin which is the plant box, drainage. May perimeter drainage din tayo doon and then construction of cistern tank,” Tino explained.
The lake closed on Oct. 1, 2025, for the construction phase, which also introduced new water filtration systems, biotechnology, and native aquatic plants to restore biodiversity and keep the waters clear. The temporary closure suspended a crucial source of income for local families and temporarily deprived the community of its cultural centerpoint.
Over the decades, the century-old lake, designed by urban planner Daniel Burnham in the early 1900s, has served as a stage for civic life, eco-recreation, and cultural events. It regularly hosts sports fishing, the annual Panagbenga Fluvial Parade, and “Atang ti Kararua,” a floating art installation originally conceptualized by the late artist Roberto Villanueva to honor the victims of the July 16, 1990 earthquake.
With the scheduled reopening on Sept. 1, operators are eager to serve residents and tourists once again.
“Siyempre masaya. Wala nang iba, ’di ba?” Vevian said, noting that the reopening coincides with Baguio Day. “In fairness, malinis ang tubig as you can see. Malinis na ang ating mga paligid.”
When boating resumes, visitors will notice upgraded vessels alongside stricter operational guidelines. Tino noted that some boats are newly procured, others have been redesigned, and unserviceable units have been permanently decommissioned.
To prevent overcrowding, city officials are re-evaluating fleet limits. While around 90 boats previously operated on the lake simultaneously, CEPMO may reduce that ceiling depending on water density. Passenger limits are also being tightened to either four or five passengers plus one rower, subject to final guidelines.
Safety compliance will push concessionaires to provide life vests and maintain passenger insurance, or risk losing their operating permits.
“Operating the boats is a privilege granted to concessionaires,” Tino emphasized, noting that there will be an operations and management plan and that CEPMO will deploy regular maintenance and waste management patrols.
Boating fees will also feature a new insurance arrangement, charging passengers an additional ₱50 each for coverage in case of an incident. Before the closure, rental rates ranged from ₱150 to ₱300 per boat for 30 minutes. Vevian declined to disclose updated base rates, noting they have yet to be finalized.
For city engineers, the biggest hurdle moving forward is ensuring public discipline and proper site upkeep.
“Sana yung ano talaga, discipline talaga ng boat rowers natin,” Tino said, urging operators and parkgoers alike to help protect the newly built facilities.
While adjusting to new safety protocols and fee structures presents a transition, returning operators say the opportunity to rebuild their livelihoods far outweighs the challenges.
“Yeah, for the tourists, welcome to Baguio. Come and see the beauty of Burnham Lake,” Vevian said. “For locals, come and see.”
As Sept. 1 arrives, boat operators are preparing to return, bringing with them years of experience, renewed livelihood hopes, and the responsibility of adapting to safer boating practices. For the community, the return of the lake restores the collective space for gatherings and commemoration, reviving the soul of the city. By Maria Elena Catajan, with reports from Jerome Jacy A. Cruz, UC Intern
