Baguio eyeing more carparks to address roadside parking

If there’s one thing that travelers going to Baguio have to contend with (aside from the cold climate), it’s the traffic. Since Baguio is the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”, it’s a favorite tourist attraction for those who want to enjoy the cool breeze, see the many sights, as well as taste the delectable cuisine.

But aside from having to endure traffic in Baguio City, both locals and tourists have to contend with limited roadside parking. Seeing this conundrum, the city government is looking to enter public-private partnership (PPP) agreements for the construction of parking buildings to address roadside parking issues and ease traffic congestion.

Donna Tabangin, City Planning Officer, said that investors will be invited for the projects should the city’s resources not be enough to fund the construction of parking buildings. In addition, they are eyeing several locations to build the said multi-story carparks.

“The projects could help in providing parking spaces for the increasing volume of motor vehicles plying the city roads and address the worsening traffic congestions in the central business district area,” said Tabangin.

One of the locations sighted for the building of a multi-level parking building is a city-owned property on Kayang Street. This one will cater to parking requirements for officials, employees, and clients of city hall offices. Another proposed site for a parking building will be near the public market area where it will help market-goers and businesses park their vehicles.

The city government also intends to provide another multi-level parking area for the proposed site of the city’s creative center in the area formerly occupied by the city auditorium. A multi-level parking building is also being eyed for residents and tourists visiting Burnham Park and other destinations in the CBD area.

Januario Borillo, City Traffic and Transport Office Head, said that around 25,000 to 40,000 vehicles ply the city’s streets daily. But during weekends, traffic volume reaches around 50,000 to 60,000 as tourists flock to the city. Building more parking areas could help loosen up the already congested streets.

“Naghahanap ang city ng mga paraan para mabawasan ang traffic at isa dito ay iyong mga parking para hindi sa kalsada nakapark ang mga sasakyan,” shared Borillo.

[The city continues to look for ways to ease traffic and among the solutions seen are parking areas to avoid roadside parking]

Will the planned construction of several parking buildings help Baguio contend with tourists? Or will it result in just more traffic? Let us know what you think in the comment section.