BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) are working together to address concerns over the warping of the newly installed decks and other deficiencies at Burnham Lake, assuring the public that corrective measures are being undertaken to improve the facility’s safety, stability and durability.
The city government, through the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), is closely coordinating with the contractor to correct the problem and ensure that the project meets the required quality standards before it is accepted by the city.
CEPMO Head Atty. Rhenan Diwas said some portions of the deck, including those shown in photographs circulating online, developed warping under actual site conditions with Baguio’s changing weather and the heavy volume of pedestrian traffic identified as possible contributing factors.
The issue prompted the project implementers to review the installation method, inspect similar projects and explore alternative solutions to improve the decking’s performance under local conditions.
Following technical discussions and further assessment, a corrective installation method different from the manufacturer’s original procedure was adopted to improve the decks’ stability and durability.
The corrective works are being undertaken section by section to minimize inconvenience and allow the public to continue using Burnham Lake while the necessary improvements are being made.
CEPMO clarified that the affected walkway sections, including those shown in photographs circulating online, are among the portions being corrected by the contractor.
The corrective measures entail additional expenses, but the contractor has committed to shoulder the costs, with no additional expense to TIEZA or the city government.
Diwas stressed that TIEZA and the City Government will not accept the project until it is satisfied that the workmanship meets the required standards and that the facility is safe for public use.
The city government and TIEZA recognize the public’s concerns and understand the disappointment over the condition of a newly improved public facility. They are appealing for the public’s patience and understanding while the corrective works are ongoing.
Diwas said both the city and TIEZA are committed to addressing the issues head-on rather than allowing the problem to result in recurring maintenance issues in the future.
He thanked the public for their continued vigilance, saying public feedback helps ensure that government-funded facilities are properly implemented, maintained and made fit for long-term public use. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
