ELECTION fever is catching up in the Summer Capital that even the simple inauguration of the Baguio Athletic Bowl last week was not sparred.
Local candidates running under a well funded national party stormed what could have been a blessing of Baguio’s lone sports facility Friday Morning.
Only a few incumbents where there to witness the opening and it seems those under the Liberal Party, some of which seeking for a post in the May 2016 local elections were already there.
It is not to discredit the good job done by Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping but the rehabilitation of the Baguio Athletic Bowl was a collaboration of the past and current local officials who have also worked hard to realize the city’s dream of having a standard sports facility.
The renovation of the Baguio Athletic Bowl started with the rehabilitation of the west–end stand including the repair of its roof as well as 75 percent of the bleachers. The new west-side bleachers also house office spaces for the city government’s use and cost a total of P50 million.
The second phase which cost a total of P60 million included the renovation of the remaining 25 percent of the bleachers and the construction of an Olympic-size track oval.
Baguio District Engineer Alexander Castaneda said that the new bleachers can now accommodate 6,500 spectators while additional funds will be forthcoming to finance the construction of the east-side bleachers, the fencing of the rubberized track oval and the construction of more aesthetic awards grounds just below the Athletic Bowl grand stand.
The Baguio Athletic Bowl inauguration was just a testament of how these candidates seeking for a local post are eager to start their drive even if campaign period has yet to start.
With the city hosting the annual Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association sports meet and the holding of the Baguio Flower Festival which started February 1 until the first week of March, expect this politicos to be vividly around and make sure their presence will be felt.