Diplomat Hotel eyed as museum, arts center

BAGUIO CITY -- — The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that will allocate P3 million for establishment of a museum and performing arts venue at the abandoned Diplomat Hotel here at Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park
           The ordinance, authored by Councilor Lilia A. Fariñas said the City Environment and Parks Management Office lead implementation and regulation of activities in the city-owned property and set regulations for its operation, along with committee that will be created, with approval of the City Council and to perform other duties.
           Under the proposed ordinance, the CEPMO will determine possible areas of Diplomat Hotel, spaces such as walls, halls, its lobby, and other functional areas which can be utilized for the exhibit of visual arts such as paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and other works of art, and other such areas that could be dedicated for performing arts.
           Fariñas said Baguio had been a haven for visual and performing artists and home to both world-renowned and nationally awarded artists such as Benjamin Cabrera alias BenCab, Jordan Mang-osan, and Eric de Guia.