Saturday, September 06, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Isagani Liporada
THE Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) will maintain the P10-million annual subsidy for Burnham Park, for this year at least.
"The stripping of the subsidy was a mere misunderstanding," said PTA general manager Mark Lapid, in a recent visit.
Lapid, along with officials of the PTA board and officials of Baguio City were in Baguio to visit the various parks.
City officials earlier sought clarification from the Department of Tourism (DOT) after Secretary Ace Durano said no subsidy is forthcoming and Burnham should now be self-sufficient. He said the only technical assistance will be provided by them.
Responding to the city's call for clarifications, Lapid said: "There were no letters terminating the city's subsidy despite Executive Order (EO) 695, but stressed that city officials should pursue drafting of a comprehensive development plan for Burnham Park."
Lapid said this is to enable the PTA to determine where it will channel funds for the park's development.
EO 695, signed by the President on January 10, gave Baguio City full control of the administration, operation, management, maintenance and further development for the park.
PTA director Carl Estepa concurred with Lapid. He said every subsidy is considered a liability if there are no guaranteed returns.
PTA Board Member Juan Bagatsing added that a peace meal plan will not answer. "The city should have a general plan so we would know where to invest and if the same is socially acceptable to the people of Baguio."
The Burnham Park Management Authority (BPMA) chaired by Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. earlier brought to the fore several projects that needed PTA funding like the installation of park swings, a two-level structure to replace the decrepit litsonan at the former fire station at Igorot Park; development of the old city auditorium site and development of the Rose Garden as a senior citizen's park.
In a related development, Councilor Perlita Chan-Rondez, chairperson of the City Council committee on tourism, said before proposals were communicated to the PTA, the BPMA already scheduled a summit in order to come up with a blueprint attuned to the policies laid down in the Burnham Preservation Plan.
The summit is tentatively scheduled on September 24 to 26, which venue will soon be announced.
