Baguio's Burnham Lake Reopens After Yearlong Closure

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Burnham Lake reopened to the public on Tuesday, coinciding with Baguio City’s 117th Charter Day celebration and bringing back boat rides at one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions. The man-made lake had been closed since October 2025 for a P480-million rehabilitation and improvement project. Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chief operating officer and concurrent Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and other local officials led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the lake’s reopening. The P480-million rehabilitation and improvement project involved the dredging of the lake, vegetation management, promenade enhancements, and aesthetic improvements, aiming to provide a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors. Magalong expressed optimism that the rehabilitation would boost the city's tourism sector. Burnham Lake, situated in the heart of Baguio, serves as a vital recreational space for locals and a major draw for tourists. Its reopening is expected to enhance the city's appeal. The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, and the revitalization of key attractions like Burnham Lake can have substantial ripple effects on local economies, fostering job creation and supporting related businesses. However, increased visitor numbers may also present challenges related to infrastructure and environmental sustainability.