IF THINGS go as planned, Igorot Park may be transferred to Ganza.
The proposal penned by Councilors Benny Bomogao, Micheal Lawana and Faustino Olowan for the construction of a podium car parking in Baguio City, particularly in the areas of Ganza, between the Orchidarium and Children’s Park, former Pantranco and the whole stretch of the city library, has been approved and is now in the hands of the chief executive.
Bomogao, who chairs the committee on public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation, has approved and recommended the construction of a multi-level parking facility at the former site of the old auditorium or present pay parking area.
He also identified an alternative proposal for the construction of a multi-level parking at the Igorot garden and former fire station fronting Bayanihan Hotel.
In effect, the Igorot Garden will be transferred to the existing Ganza parking.
Bomogao said since the committee report has been approved, it is now up to Mayor Mauricio Domogan to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) for plans to take shape.
The committee report said a team composed of personnel from the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), City Planning Office, and City Engineering Office should be organized by the city mayor to draft the proposed plans, taking into consideration parking demands, green engineering, amenities (multi-function halls, sports area and other applicable use), and other matters. The CBAO shall be the lead agency.
The proposed plans will be due within three months from the approval of the report and they will be presented to the City Council for review and funding.
Bomogao said the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) will also be part of the plans. He said the building may be funded through a public private partnership or a build–operate and transfer deal.
To back the proposed resolution, a manifesto was earlier signed by Pastor Godofredo Cawaing, supporting plans to set up podium parking as long as it adheres to international standards on green architecture.
Cawaing, who represents a group of pastors and ministers, said the high influx of visitors coming to city during holidays and the development of education has contributed to the traffic problem.
However, Olowan said the proposal will be subject to the approval of the Department of Tourism and the said Igorot Park will not be moved but instead the facility will be built beside it.
Lawana said changes to the plans may be done when the committee reviews the final drawings and layout.