No additional portalets for Baguio flower fest weekend

DESPITE the large number of expected tourists and guests for the grand street dancing and float parades, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) was unable to secure contractors to provide additional public portalets.

“There will be no portalets to be provided,” Anthony De Leon, BFFFI executive committee co-chair, said during in Kapihan sa Baguio Wednesday.

The public is advised to use public pay restrooms located around the city.

According to De Leon, the only portalets the BFFFI were able to borrow were from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to be used only by the prominent guests of the events.

Dr. John Tinoyan, chairman on Health and Safety Committee of the Panagbenga, is confident of the capability of concessionaires of public restrooms to cater to the expected crowd.

One of the biggest problems with the use of the portalets is the lack of source of flushing water, Tinoyan added.

There are at least eight pay restrooms around Burnham Park alone, managed by R&R Management and Sanitary Services. These exclude private businesses which could serve the needing public during the festivities.

The fear of trashing the city’s surroundings during the event is an issue raised by the concerned residents of the city.

Cordelia Lacsamana, head City Environment and Parks Management Office, said it is up to BFFFI if they will find it helpful to add portalets around the city.

“What is five pesos if you are going to think about it as your contribution in keeping our parks clean?” Lacsamana said.

Lacsamana reminded the public to enjoy the celebration but to remember their responsibility of caring for the parks in the city. (Mark Victor Pasagoy)