The city government intends to redirect the P120-million fund initially allocated for the redevelopment of Session Road to the rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl.
Elias Aoanan, Asst. City Planning Development and Sustainability Officer, said the Session Road project is still in the feasibility study phase, thus the realignment. Instead of leaving the funds unused while the Session Road project is under study, the city government is redirecting these to a project that is ready to proceed.
The realigned amount is part of the second Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) prepared by the executive department, which the Baguio City Council approved on July 29, 2024. Council members sought clarification on the specifics of the PHP 120 million realignment during the July 29 regular session.
City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Pena said the 120-M realigned funding will only address the running oval’s dimensions and the central green area, and not all aspects will be finished within this budget.
According to Dela Pena, the current running oval requires corrections as it does not meet the standard size. This will involve adjustments to the existing structure including the removal and replacement of various layers to ensure proper installation of a new tartan floor. These corrections will also address a discrepancy in the oval’s length of approximately 128 meters.
The central green area will also be improved to address drainage issues and other concerns.
Dela Pena explained that while P120 is allocated, the actual cost for the said project might only require around P100 million, and the unused P20 million may be absorbed into the project if bidding results in lower costs or if unexpected changes arise. The excess funds may also be used for change orders or unforeseen expenses.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through then Congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr., originally funded the oval and the center green area with an approximate budget of 57 million. This project was completed a long time ago.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan asserted that execution errors in the project necessitated additional rehabilitation efforts. He expressed concern that repeated funding for the same project could result in a waste of resources.
Dela Pena said the rehabilitation of Athletic Bowl is expected to be finished this year but may extend to March 2025 due to delays caused by limited time left in the year and the lengthy procurement process. He added that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) had promised funding for the project if necessary.
Meanwhile, Olowan inquired whether the condition of the oval at Teacher’s Camp was similar to that of the Athletic Bowl. The said facility is used by national athletes. Dela Peña confirmed that the facilities at Teacher’s Camp are also in very poor condition but are being evaluated for repair.
Dela Peña further explained that arrangements had been made to use the facilities at Teacher’s Camp for athletes’ training, despite their poor condition, while the Athletic Bowl is undergoing rehabilitation. **Jordan G. Habbiling
