House Approves Bill Declaring Burnham Park As National Heritage Park

BAGUIO CITY – (June 2, 2021) – The House of Representatives passed on its third reading a bill that seeks to declare Burnham Park as a national heritage park on Wednesday, June 2.

Once signed into law, House Bill No. 9353 in substitution to HB 1341, will ensure the conservation and development of Burnham Park, one of the city’s oldest and most famous parks.

As a national heritage park, Burnham Park’s development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Baguio City government.

The local government and involved national agencies shall prepare the development plan involving the conservation and maintenance of Burnham Park’s appropriate facilities.

According to primary author and Baguio City representative Mark Go, Burnham Park has become a part in the progress and prosperity of Baguio City, serving many generations of families, both residents and tourists.

Named after city-planner and American architect Daniel Burnham who designed it in 1904, Burnham Park is distinct for its geometrically and symmetrically designed stretch of leveled ground amid the city’s rolling hills.

After several design improvements over the years, the park is now composed of the following cluster areas: The Ibaloi Heritage Garden, a man-made lake, the children’s playground, the Rose Garden, the Igorot Garden, the Orchidarium, Sunshine Park, the Pine Trees of the World Park, and various picnic spots such as Picnic Grove, the Melvin Jones Grandstand where various events are held, the Athletic Bowl where many athletes train and compete, and historical symbols such as the Japanese Peace Tower.

The Baguio solon added that recognizing Burnham Park as a national heritage park helps strengthen the city’s cultural and historical foundation, and preserves Baguio City’s rich cultural heritage for the next generations. ###