THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) stressed the historical significance of Burnham Park and its preservation as an open space.
In a letter to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas, NHCP chairman Rene Escalante said the park is considered an important Cultural Property considering its more than 50 years in existence as mandated by under article III Section 5 of the Republic Act (RA) 10066.
NHCP’s letter said prior to the American occupation, Burnham is a wide open space which was referred to as Kafagway.
In 1904, it was developed into a park, based on the design of Daniel Burnham as influenced by the “City Beautiful Movement.”
Since its inauguration, the park, functions as a breathing space and center for public congregation. It also served as a venue for local and international gatherings such as the Baguio Carnival (1915), Baguio Carnival and Exposition (1923) AND Pontifical Mass of Pope John Paul II (1981).
Paragas said the NHCP already wrote the mayor Mauricio Domogan in 2017 concerning the construction of a multi storey car park, “However the NHCP until now, has not received any reply from the city government.”
For public parks and plazas, the NHCP has always advocated the open space policy, where people can congregate and enjoy the natural setting.
“We strongly suggest the city government look for alternative sites for their construction projects,” said Paragas.
The NHCP has indorsed the issue to the NCCA and the Arts Technical working Committee for deliberation.
NCCA chairman and national artist for literature, Virgilo Almario has also written Rowena Boquiren of the University of the Philippines Baguio on the matter saying the stand on Burnham Park has not changed since 2017.
Both letters have been posted on social media pages of advocates opposing proposals to set up structures at the park by the local government.
Inquiries have been made the NHCP as well as the NCCA on the status of the park in the midst of development plans poised by the local government which has alarmed groups advocating for its preservation.
On Wednesday, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said plans for the park will be furnished and communicated with TIEZA and the Department of Tourism.
Heritage advocates are protesting latest plans of the city to set up parking facilities at Burnham Park led by the Baguio Heritage Foundation.
Councilor Edgar Avila, committee chair for urban planning, lands and housing has started public consultation for a Burnham Park parking structure at the old auditorium site which has opened the doors for proposals to come in.
The next public hearing is set on May 22.