P50 Million for Burnham Park upkeep proposed

The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance appropriating the amount of P50 million or much thereof for the enhancement, upkeep and maintenance of the scenic and historic Burnham Park next year.

Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., the fund shall be used in furtherance of the status of Burnham Park as a family oriented theme park that is why the appropriation of the said amount is for every year depending on the available funds of the local government.

The ordinance recognized the fact that Burnham Park, being the main showcase of the city and located at the heart of the city should be well maintained, well kept, and further enhanced as a world class family-oriented theme park.

Executive Order No. 224, series of 1995 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos as amended by Executive Order No. 695, series of 2009 issued by former President and now Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo transferred the management, administration and maintenance of Burnham Park to the local government.

The 34-hectare premier tourist destination was master planned by famous American urban planner Arch. Daniel Burnham in the early 1900s that resulted in the city being declared as the second oldest chartered city in the country on September 1, 1909.

The park plays host to various attractions such as the Rose Garden, the Baguio orchidarium, the Ibaloi Heritage Garden, the Melvin Jones football ground, the 2-hectare Burnham Lake, the biking area, the picnic grove, the children’s park, the skating rink, the old site of the city auditorium, the Baguio City library, the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the Pine Trees of the World, the Baguio tennis court among others. – Dexter A. See