Burnham Lake in Baguio set to reopen in August

BAGUIO CITY — The city government is eyeing the reopening of Burnham Lake in August as repair and rehabilitation nears completion.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Tuesday the project is about 90 percent complete.

The reopening will coincide with the deployment of new boats that meet updated safety standards.

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“We will not allow them to return if they just repaint their boats. We want new ones, safer ones, and with new designs to match the lake’s new features,” Magalong said in an interview.

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He said many of the existing boats no longer comply with safety standards and must be replaced.

Magalong warned that operators who fail to meet the city’s safety requirements could lose their permits to operate.

Only safe, modern and compliant boats will be allowed to operate in Burnham Lake, he added.

Burnham Lake has been closed since October 2025 for repairs.

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The project was originally scheduled for completion in May but was delayed by the fuel crisis that drove up construction material costs, as well as prolonged rains that slowed the work.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority has allotted P500 million for the rehabilitation of Burnham Park, beginning with Burnham Lake and the athletic bowl.

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Future phases include the development and upgrading of the Children’s Park, Rose Garden, skating rink and surrounding areas. /apl

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