BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong recently led a multi-departmental inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects to enforce strict quality standards and fiscal accountability across the city’s major developments.
According to the Baguio City Public Information Office, the inspection team visited several key sites including Ibaloi Park, Burnham Park Lake, the Athletic Bowl, the Arboretum, and district health centers in Pacdal and Loakan.
At Ibaloi Park, Magalong reported that construction is progressing steadily and directed teams to prioritize landscaping to ensure the area is fully established before its scheduled opening in November 2026.
The mayor ordered immediate planting in areas unaffected by construction and instructed the widening of the park entrance to address safety concerns and advised nearby concessionaires to repair their structures and improve sanitation to align with city standards.
Technical concerns were raised during the inspection of Burnham Lake, where Magalong expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of metal works and the foundation and ordered a formal review to improve the structural integrity of the lake’s base.
As part of the first phase of a four-phase rehabilitation plan slated for completion in June 2026, the mayor will also mandate that boat concessionaires replace aging units with new, high-quality vessels that meet updated safety and aesthetic requirements.
The city has terminated its contract for the rainwater harvesting facility at the Buyog watershed due to geological challenges and terrain instability that the previous contractor could not manage.
Currently 30% complete, the project faces a two-month delay with a new completion target of December 2026 or January 2027. Despite the setbacks, the City Engineering Office and the Baguio Water District remain involved as the city prepares for a re-bidding process.
The ₱50 million project, funded by the Local Government Support Fund, is designed to provide 10,000 cubic meters of water to residents in Barangays Pinget and Quirino Hill.
Construction at the Athletic Bowl is ongoing, though delays have pushed the target completion date to June 14.
During visits to the Pacdal and Loakan district health centers, the mayor identified a need for additional medical equipment and birthing facility upgrades required for “Yakap” accreditation.
Magalong noted that while the city’s 16 health centers are currently sufficient, the 1.4% population growth rate will necessitate facility expansions within the next decade.
The mayor emphasized these regular inspections are vital to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and transparently and stated that the primary objective is to maintain rigorous supervision over implementation to ensure every project meets the city’s quality benchmarks and remains free from corruption. Ariel Biala/Baguio City Public Information Office
