Burnham Lake Rehabilitation Faces Scrutiny Over Environmental Concerns

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — As Burnham Lake is set to reopen on Sept. 1 after a P400-million rehabilitation effort, residents and environmental advocates are questioning whether the project has fixed the lake’s biggest problem – its ecological health. In an open letter to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the project contractors, the group said the rehabilitation “appeared to prioritize beautification over environmental restoration.” They insisted that the project lacked a proper lake bed management plan, including the installation of sand, gravel and rock layers needed to sustain aquatic life as well as the absence of filtration and mechanical aeration systems. The group warned that without continuous water circulation, Burnham Lake could again suffer from stagnant water, foul odor and algae blooms. In the letter, the group questioned the extensive use of concrete along the lake’s edges, saying this could worsen pollution and diminish the park’s natural character. Magalong was asked to address the issues before the lake reopens. The rehabilitation, which began in 2023, is funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways. It included structural repairs, new walkways, reinforced concrete covers and a sunken garden. It was carried out by the joint venture of Dungan Constructors and Trading Corp. and the Moment Diagram Builders, under the supervision of the city government.