P513 million upgrade of Baguio athletic bowl complex starts soon

By Pigeon Lobien 

BAGUIO CITY -- Three major projects worth PHP513 million at the Baguio athletic bowl complex are set for construction within the year and expected to be finished by 2021.

The projects include the extension of the big grandstand worth PHP49 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways; the PHP19 million upgrade of the old wooden bleachers; and the PHP445 million youth convergence and sports center from city coffers.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday said construction works of the first two projects would start after the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Region (CARAA) meet and the Panagbenga festivities.

Engr. Chester Bayao of the DPWH Baguio District Engineering Office planning division said the extension of the big grandstand would include construction of athlete's locker rooms, shower, and gym and installation of four 50-foot high light towers.

“We are just waiting for the post-qualification meeting with the winning contractor," Bayao said.

With its completion, some 360 seats will be added to the grandstand’s capacity of 1,100 seats, Bayao added.

Two structures in the area would be removed to pave way for the projects -- the pay comfort room and the Philippine Army Reserve unit’s headquarters.

“Everything must go, so we can complete the project,” Bayao said.

Meanwhile, city administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said the dilapidated wooden bandstand was also up for rehabilitation and would house more offices and athletes’ amenities.

“Again, that will be done after the CARAA and Panagbenga events that will be held at the Baguio athletic bowl,” dela Peña said.

He said the youth convergence and sports center building project would start by the middle of the year.

“We are just completing the terms of reference,” dela Peña said, referring to the release of funds which will be done in two tranches -- PHP200 million for this year and PHP245 million for next year.

“This will be entirely funded by city funds,” he said.

Dela Peña said the four-story building will house parking spaces on the first floor and the Sangguniang Kabataan office on the second floor which will be used as a youth center.

The third and fourth floors will be used as gyms, basketball, and volleyball courts, and a six-lane bowling facility and the topmost floor would be an open space for events.

Meanwhile, the ongoing upgrade of the swimming pool within the sports complex is expected to be completed soon. (PNA)