Baguio pushes through with infra projects

DESPITE setbacks caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), Baguio is poised to break ground stalled big- ticket projects “before the 2020 clock strikes twelve”.

For starters, City Administrator Bonifacio De La Peña revealed, the city already awarded the P100- million public works contract for the rehab of the drainage system from Lake Drive, Burnham Park to Magsaysay Avenue.

De La Peña detailed the project addresses flooding in the central business district during torrential rains.

“It will commence as soon as the imported materials arrive,” De La Peña said adding, “We [want to do away with stopgap solutions by using] quality materials from now on.”

The administrator bared, December swill not end without the award of the P434-million contract for the construction of the youth convergence center and sports complex at the Athletic Bowl.

He said the City Government is financing the project with Baguio Congressman Marquez Go promising to source out additional P50-million.

He revealed plans and estimates are already 95-percent complete for the project expected to be completed by 2022.

“We want to do this correctly…. We are consulting with Philippine Sports Commission (whose representatives are extending their expertise) probono,” De La Peña added.

Meantime, he reported the extension of the Athletic Bowl bleachers is ongoing, as well as the provision of a parking area inside the facility for some 200-vehicles.

“These are called multi- year projects… While commenced this year, completion are scheduled in the coming year or even 2022,” De La Peña said.

Two barangay halls, one costing P56- million and the other at P37- million, are likewise in the works, the city manager added.