BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is calling for investigation on the rehabilitation of the Baguio Convention Center.
Magalong remains dismayed over substandard work at the convention center and will seek the aid of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar.
“Pa investigate natin if this is really worth P150 million,” Magalong said, adding he has already raised the issue to Secretary Villar and is sure the good secretary will not tolerate the state of the convention center.
Magalong pointed out rehab of the convention center fall short of expectations as well as projected make over since the last inspection.
“We have missed the chance to have a world class convention center. Nakakalungot na isipin na (It is sad to think) we missed the opportunity,” Magalong added.
The chief executive said the city is missing revenue opportunities as the convention center remains a non- functioning asset.
“Maganda tignan pag malayo ka, pero pag tinignan mo craftsmanship at workmanship. It has been taken for granted, magtakaka ka bakit ganito kinalabasan. Is this really worth P150 million?” Magalong added.
Maglong reiterated the city will not approve the rehab of the convention center.
Months ago, rehab works for the convention center was rejected by the city pending a checklist of work to be done which compounded by safety issue when the ceiling at the main hall almost fell during the Ms. Baguio pageant in September last year.
Magalong said the beams have since been reinforced and assurance was given by DPWH regional director Tiburcio Canlas on safety.
The convention center is scheduled to be turned over to the city by the end of the month but the interiors are not yet complete.
It was in the past administration that work for the convention center began.
Confusion arose when the DPWH presented revised plans for the convention center signed by the former mayor Mauricio Domogan without blessings from neither the technical working group, the City Buildings and Architecture Office or the City Council.
Councilor Mylen Yaranon previously wrote Villar to ask for help on the impasse.