BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced the reopening of the iconic Burnham Lake during the Baguio Charter Day celebration on September 1, after more than six months of rehabilitation to beautify, maintain safety, and modernize the Summer Capital’s most popular attraction.

According to Magalong, the water level in the lake is now almost at the right height due to recent rains that will help restore it before reopening.

Magalong also confirmed that new imported boats have arrived to replace the old fleet that was previously used on the lake.

“I will not accept the old boats anymore. We will throw them away. It’s like buying a new pair of shoes—you also need new socks. We want visitors to enjoy the lake, so everything must be in good condition, and the watercraft must be safe,” he explained.

Magalong stressed that ensuring public safety remains the city’s top priority and said that concessionaires operating on the lake are expected to follow the local government’s directives.

According to Magalong, some relatively new boats may be allowed to operate after inspection and necessary repairs, but those that are really old will not be allowed to operate even after appeals from the operators.

“We have beautified Burnham Lake, ensured security to attract more tourists, of course the boats should also be beautiful, new designs, so that we are not a laughing stock. In fact, it is not just the lake that will be beautified, but almost the entire Burnham Park with the help of funds from TIEZA, so we should be grateful for this development for our city,” Magalong said.

Magalong added that concessionaires have been profiting from renting out boats for decades, most of which are really old. "They will still earn from their business. We just want them to cooperate so that we can maintain a good relationship with the local government and provide them with long-term employment."