TIEZA proceeds with Burnham Lake rehabilitation despite appeal from concessionaires
By: Rimaliza A. Opiña
Caption: Boats for rent at the Burnham Park lake are now docked at adjacent spots at the park after the TIEZA, through the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) announced the lake’s rehabilitation beginning 1 October 2025 until March 2026.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has started with the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Burnham Park Lake amidst appeal made by concessionaires.
Simultaneous with the closure on 1 October 2025, concessionaires dismantled their loading docks and transferred the boats which they rent out to the public at areas adjacent to the lake.
On 30 September, concessionaires availed of the citizen’s forum of the city council and appealed for the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to permit them to reschedule the rehabilitation to a time when there will be less tourists.
The concessionaires said they and their employees will not have a source of income for the next five months if the TIEZA closes the lake. Vevian Vincoy, leader of the group, informed the city council that the period of closure is at a time when they recover unrealized income due to the series of monsoon rains in Baguio.
The city council was adamant in passing a resolution supporting their appeal because national government policies state that projects calendared within the year have to be implemented, otherwise funds for the same will revert to the National Treasury.
However, they suggested to invite CEPMO Head Rhenan Diwas to present the rehabilitation plan to city officials as not one of them are aware about the details of the project.
Burnham Park’s rehabilitation program includes the lake which was supposed to have been implemented five years ago but was stalled when government realigned funds for the Covid-19 response.
The P100-million worth rehabilitation includes installation of a new fountain, construction of new retaining walls, boat decks, and benches.
