COMMITTEE on Public Works chairperson Councilor Maria Mylen Victoria Yaranon and Committee on Tourism, Special Events, Parks and Playgrounds chair Councilor Elmer Datuin recently filed a resolution setting the parameters for the design and implementation of the Baguio Convention Center.

The two lawmakers stated that due to time constraint, there is a need to form the Technical Working Group for the comprehensive Baguio Convention Center design composed of the City Buildings and Architectures Office architects and engineers, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) architects and the United Architects of the Philippines headed by Architect Donna Tabangin.

The City Development Council Plan for 2018 earlier prioritized the repair and retrofitting of the city-owned landmark. The DPWH also allotted an initial fund of P180 million for the said needed renovation for implementation next year, and that there is a need for the immediate concept and design plans for bidding in December this year.

The two councilors meanwhile reported that during the stakeholders’ meeting last August 31, it was resolved to adopt the design parameters based on the Feasibility Study for the Rehabilitation and Retrofitting of the Baguio Convention Center in 2012.

The said parameters take into account four topics namely; (a) People—focusing on the health, well-being and satisfaction of the end-users, Accessibility Law and National Building Code Requirements; (b) Planet—comply with the Green Building Code; (c) Prosperity—alternative ingress/egress areas, maximize floor area efficiency and incorporating flexibility or adaptability to changing use and increase seating capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 and (d) International Standards—furnish appropriate convention equipment and technology (lighting, stage and sound equipment), and acoustic qualities.