BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the plans to rehabilitate the swimming pool at the Baguio City Athletic Bowl, on April 27, 2026, following concerns raised about its condition and usability for athletes.
Magalong said funds have already been secured for the pool’s full rehabilitation, with additional support pledged by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
It will be recalled that PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio committed to developing Baguio as a regional training center, promising to assist the city in upgrading its sports facilities, including the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the swimming pool.
The mayor said a key challenge in the rehabilitation is maintaining the pool’s temperature at around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, which is necessary for athlete training.
He said initial studies showed that existing solar panels alone cannot meet the heating requirements, leading to the decision to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable heating system, considering either an electric or gas-fed option.
He said early findings suggest a gas-fed system may be more viable. The study, being completed by the City Engineering Office, is expected to be finalized within two weeks.
Magalong also said the city will proceed with rehabilitating the facility’s solar panels, which will likely be repurposed to supply heated water for showers instead of the pool.
In the meantime, the City Sports Division said it is working out a short-term solution — repairing the existing system if still possible — while the procurement of new heaters is underway.
The division conducted an inspection of the heaters on April 28, together with the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), sports officials, and coaches.
Meanwhile, Magalong said the PSC has committed an additional P20 million to complete the athletes’ quarters.
Plans are also underway to revive the facility’s diving pool, which had previously been considered for conversion into another training pool.
He said the city will work out more funding once the feasibility study is completed to ensure the full rehabilitation of the swimming facility. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)
