Progress or Pricey Gamble?: Baguio City’s ₱600M Parking Project sparks intense community debate

Baguio City, Philippines – Plans to construct a P600-million multi-level mechanized parking facility in the Ganza area have sparked widespread discussion among residents, with opinions divided over its potential impact on traffic, urban space, and city finances.

The Ganza public parking area is located near Burnham Park and The Ganza Restaurant along Harrison Road and Lake Drive in the city’s central business district.

The proposed facility and the discussion

Acting Assistant City Engineer Rodrigo Sam Martinez, through the Baguio City Public Information Office (PIO), said the project aims to address the growing demand for parking in the central business district, improve traffic flow, and modernize urban infrastructure.

The proposed structure, described as a one-storey building with a basement, is expected to accommodate around 400 to 600 vehicles. The project will follow a design-and-build scheme to ensure that competent contractors handle both the design and construction.

However, some residents have raised concerns about the hefty cost and long-term benefits of the project, questioning whether it will significantly ease traffic or merely shift congestion elsewhere.

“It sounds good, but it’s hard to implement in reality, especially when even basic traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights and properly marked pedestrian lanes is not well maintained. While the demand for parking is real, the proposed solution may be mismatched to the city, and the ₱600-million budget also seems conservative, as costs could easily balloon once excavation begins,” one commenter said.

Another resident shared a different view: “Kahit na ilipat natin ang terminal, SM, Burnham Park at kung ano-ano pa, traffic pa rin. Bakit? Kasi overcrowded na sa Baguio. Much better na mag-invest tayo sa mga ganitong parking space. Tama ‘yan at magdagdag pa ng kalsada tulad ng skyway, subway, tunnel at iba pa para madagdagan ang daan kasi masikip na.”

Baguio City’s traffic condition

Baguio City’s traffic situation continues to worsen. The city’s road network, according to local media reports, was originally designed for far fewer vehicles but now accommodates more than 50,000 registered vehicles as of 2024—far exceeding its intended capacity. This figure does not yet include vehicles brought in by visitors.

In addition to resident vehicles, thousands of tourists drive into the city daily, especially during holidays and peak tourism months, further straining the already congested roads.

As the city government moves forward with the planning and bidding process for the project, public discourse continues, reflecting broader concerns about urban mobility, sustainability, and the most effective ways to accommodate both residents and the steady influx of tourists in the mountain city.