UNIMPRESSED by the renovation of the Baguio Convention Center, Mayor Benjamin Magalong is asking for a smooth turnover hoping to fix minor glitches by next year.
Magalong said the renovation of the convention center lacks workmanship and craftsmanship and likened while depicting the all-white paint inside the center to a cemetery.
The chief executive added that the convention center lacks ventilation. He also observed the inappropriate layout of rooms and lounges, which do not meet city standards nor follow the original plans.
Magalong added that the original seats of the convention center are now being re-upholstered and will be re–installed. He said the new seats are not durable and do not meet the requirements.
The mayor added the contractor as well as the Department of Public Works and Highways has been informed of the City Government’s dissatisfaction and its plan not to sign acceptance papers for the project.
Magalong said with the City Government’s non-acceptance of the project, the contractor will not receive payment for the project.
The mayor has given the contractor and the DPWH until January next year to repair and present the project to the City anew, hoping for more favorable outcomes.
Councilor Mylen Yaranon agreed with the mayor saying “we cannot accept something that does not pass our quality standards.”
Previously, City Administrator Boni dela Peña said rehabilitation work of the Baguio Convention Center will not be approved by the city.
The city administrator also revealed major glitches in the renovation of the convention center after they noticed the ceiling of the main hall was in danger of giving-in during the Ms. Baguio pageant in September, forcing him to call DPWH for help.
Dela Peña said the interior contractor, David Sanchez, has completed work and exterior contractor RAJ Juilan will be finished by next year, in time for the opening on January 2020.
The project is under the national government facilitated by the DPWH but Dela Peña asserted the city will not be signing approval of work citing warping floor and issues with chairs installed at the supposedly world class center.