A P400-MILLION fund has been approved by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) board for the improvement of the Burnham Park complex, according to the Baguio City government. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, in a statement over the weekend, said TIEZA Chief Executive Officer Pocholo Joselito D. Paragas informed him of the allocation for the iconic 34-hectare park, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the mountain city. The local government originally sought a P500-million budget, but the P100 million earmarked for flood control in the park was deducted. Mr. Magalong said this amount will be replaced by an allocation from the Department of Public works and Highways–Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWH-BCDEO). The Burnham Park rehabilitation will be undertaken next year using a master development plan that is being consolidated from various sectors by a technical working group. The park’s management was transferred to the city government from the now defunct Philippine Tourism Authority in 1995 through a directive from then President Fidel V. Ramos. The city government said an annual budget of P40 million is needed for the park’s maintenance.

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