RESTORED. The P49-million budget for the rehabilitation of the Baguio athletic bowl has been restored. It was initially reported that 65 percent of the budget was funneled to battling the coronavirus disease. (PNA file photo)
BAGUIO CITY – The PHP49-million extension project of the Baguio Athletic Bowl grandstand that had its ground-breaking last March 13, before the city was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will start work in August, an official said on Monday.
City administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said the Department of Public Works and Highways has given a go-signal for the project to start.
“We were able to get the go signal from the DPWH with the full amount restored as earlier allocated,” said dela Peña, who was directed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong to focus his efforts in infrastructure works for the city that had been put on hold when the pandemic struck.
The project includes the 50-meter extension of the grandstand that will increase the seating capacity to 1,100 and provide more office spaces underneath.
Four light towers will also be placed around the sports complex to allow training or jogging even at night.
The athletic bowl doubles as an event venue for major city activities like the field demonstrations of street dancers and drum and lyre bands, and concerts during the annual Baguio Flower Festival.
“The work will definitely start and the scope of work as originally planned will still be pursued,” dela Peña said.
In a press conference on June 10, Magalong said 65 percent of the PHP49-million budget or PHP31.85 million was slashed and funneled to battling the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The remaining 35 percent, or PHP17.15, however, will not be used for the flood control measures of the sports complex and the whole Burnham Park.
“We were able to get the budget back,” said dela Peña.
The athletic bowl complex houses the swimming pool, the tartan tracks, several outdoor basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw courts. The tennis court and the archery venue are also at the same compound. The baseball field is also at the center of the tracks. (PNA)
