Burnham Lake boat operators warned over high rental rates

BAGUIO City— Burnham Park’s boat concessionaires were given a final warning on Wednesday, over charging excessive rental rates, a day after its newly renovated man-made lake was reopened to the public following a year of repairs. 

The city government threatened to revoke their licenses to operate at the lake if boat rental owners fail to comply with government-set rates, upgrade their boats and issue official receipts to customers.

READ: Burnham Lake reopens to boaters on 117th Baguio Charter Day

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City Administrator Vittorio Jericho Cawis issued the ultimatum during a Wednesday meeting called by lawyer Rhenan Diwas, the City Environment and Parks Management Officer. 

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“This is the final warning. If they continue not to comply, then we will be compelled to open their slots to other residents wishing to apply as boating concessionaires,” Cawis said.

The concessionaires were directed to charge the existing rate of P250 per boat for 30 minute rides around the 4-hectare lake. Many residents who hired boats on Tuesday, a holiday to commemorate Baguio’s 117th Charter Day, were aghast when charged for as much as P400. 

Boats that have not been upgraded will also not be allowed to operate for public use starting Sept. 2, the city government said. /dp