Baguio Athletic Bowl

The Baguio Athletic Bowl is a sporting venue within the grounds of Burnham Park in Baguio, Philippines. Completed in 1945, the venue became dilapidated but is currently undergoing renovation work.HistoryThe Baguio Athletic Bowl was built in 1945. The venue is under the ownership of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). Through Executive Order 224 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 10, 1995 transferring the management, administration, and maintenance responsibilities from the PTA to the Baguio City Government. Further powers were given to the city government when it is given rights to “control and further development" of Burnham Park in pursuant to Executive Order 695 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued in January 10, 2008.2009 proposalThe Baguio City Government leased the park to an undisclosed company to develop the Athletic Bowl and Burnham Park for P1.43 per square meter. The deal between the investors and the city government was reached in December 10, 2009 and was later approved by the city council in December 11 of the same year. The property would have been leased for 25 years with a monthly lease of P100,000 per month, with a 10 percent increased after five years. The plan involved building a hotel, a driving range, and a bus terminal. The planned development was a subject of controversy among Baguio residents. On January 8, 2010, Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. said that the plan is not yet final and is still a proposal. The proposal was later scrapped by the city government.2014-2016 renovationsIn 2012, Mayor Mauricio Domogan announced new plans to development of the Baguio Athletic Bowl and Burnham Park. The plan generated concerns with Councilor Edison Bilog calling Baguio residents to remain vigilant against commercialization of the park and cutting of trees for the development particular those at the World Park at the back of the Athletic Bowl. Domogan responded that the trees mentioned by Bilog will not be affected by the development and that he has sent the terms of reference of the project to the city council.