Burnham Lake

10/10/2026

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03/10/2026

**🚨 Underwater Horror at Burnham Lake — Right Now, Unseen by Most Visitors**

While tourists and locals stroll the park, take photos, and enjoy the view of Burnham Lake in Baguio City… beneath the surface, something ugly is happening.

A thick, green algal bloom is spreading across the lake bed — largely invisible from the docks. Warm sunlight and calm weather are heating the water, accelerating the growth. This is not a temporary phase. Expect it to linger for the coming months.

This is the predictable result of a man-made stagnant lake that never received proper ecological rehabilitation:

- No gravel and sand substrate fill on the lake bed;
- No industrial-grade water pumps and filtration systems;
- And (probably) No strategic overflow channels or proper drainage.

Without these basics, the water quality has deteriorated to a level that is simply not acceptable.

What looks peaceful above the surface is a green underwater mess below. Visitors deserve better. Burnham Lake deserves better.

Time for real rehabilitation, not just surface cleaning.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E38FV4cYG/

12/09/2026

🌊 Burnham Lake’s Unfinished Business: Where’s the Real Ecosystem Rehab? Baguio’s heart deserves better.

The City Government and TIEZA still have not completed a proper ecosystem rehabilitation of Burnham Lake — specifically by installing a proper sand/gravel substrate fill on the lake bed and putting in industrial-grade water pumps and filtration systems that can actually keep the water clean and healthy year-round.

Instead of a living, breathing lake that supports aquatic life and looks inviting, we continue to see stagnant, murky water that undermines everything Baguio claims to stand for.

This isn’t just an aesthetic issue. It directly hurts:

• **Tourism** – Visitors come for the “City of Pines” experience. A dirty or lifeless lake in the middle of our most iconic park sends the wrong message and drives people away.

• **UNESCO Creative City** status – We were recognized for creativity and culture. A neglected central lake does not reflect a city that values sustainable, creative urban spaces.

• **Breathe Campaign** – How can we seriously promote clean air and a healthier environment when the centerpiece of Burnham Park remains incomplete and poorly maintained?

• **Summer Capital of the Philippines** – This title carries pride and responsibility. A half-finished lake rehab does not match the image of a premier highland destination.

Baguio deserves a Burnham Lake that is clean, clear, and alive — not another unfinished project that becomes a permanent eyesore.

City Government of Baguio and TIEZA: the public is still waiting for the full ecosystem rehab. Sand/gravel substrate + industrial-grade pumps and filtration. Not half-measures. Not more delays.

The lake is the soul of Burnham Park. It’s time to finish the job properly.

07/09/2026

🌊✨ Remembering the Golden Age of Burnham Lake ✨🌊

Nothing beats those classic 60s to 90s summers in Baguio — when the mountain air was crisp, the pines whispered secrets, and Burnham Lake was pure magic.

Right in the middle stood that majestic giant fountainhead, proudly spraying cool mist high into the sky. It wasn’t just pretty — it aerated the lake, keeping the water lively and the fish denizens happily swimming about. 🐟💙

Boaters would paddle close just to feel that refreshing spray kiss their faces, especially on those sunny summer days when lowlanders flocked up to escape the heat. Families laughing in simple rowboats, kids squealing with delight, the soft whoosh of water mixing with the laughter and the scent of pine… pure Baguio bliss.

Those were the days when Burnham felt timeless — elegant, peaceful, and full of simple joys. The lake wasn’t just a photo spot; it was alive, breathing, and making everyone feel cooler, happier, more alive.

Who else misses that golden era of Burnham Lake? Share your favorite memory below! 🚤🌲☀️

01/09/2026

🌿 **Burnham Lake: Beautification or True Rehabilitation?**
** Sept. 1, 2026 Opening!**

As Baguio City government reopens the iconic Burnham Lake probably today on September 1 for Charter Day, we must ask: Is this a genuine ecosystem restoration… or just another round of cosmetic infrastructure makeover?

To the City Government of Baguio, TIEZA, concerned national agencies, and the contractors involved — this is a call to conscience.

Yes, new boardwalks, reinforced walls, viewing decks, and fresh boats look good for photos and short-term tourism.

But without **mandatory lake ecosystem rehabilitation and management**, we risk repeating the same cycle of stagnant, silty, flood-prone water that has plagued the lake for years.

What is still missing?

- Proper sand/gravel (and rock) substrate fill on the lake bed to support healthy aquatic life

- Industrial-grade water pumps, filtration, and aeration systems for continuous circulation and water quality

- Adequate water overflow outlets and robust drainage designed for Baguio’s reality

We all know the truth: constant typhoons and intense storms hit our mountain city. Upcoming weather systems will pour massive runoff into the lake. Without proper overflow systems and lake-bed management, flooding is not a possibility — it is inevitable. This is Mother Nature’s wrath reminding us that shortcuts have consequences.

This oversight raises a big question mark over ** ** and our status as a **UNESCO Creative City**. How can we claim to be a city that values creativity, sustainability, and quality of life when the heart of Burnham Park prioritizes short-term visual polish over long-term ecological health?

Cosmetic beautification is temporary.
True lake rehabilitation is generational!!!

Imagine the rewards if we do it right:
✨ Crystal-clear water

🐟 Healthy fish populations

🌱 Thriving underwater and aquatic plants

💎 A true jewel of Baguio — a living showcase for locals and tourists alike, boosting sustainable tourism for decades to come

The September 1 opening is almost here. There is still time to act. Let us not settle for a pretty but fragile lake. Let us demand the complete, science-based rehabilitation that Burnham Lake — and the people of Baguio — truly deserve.

City Government of Baguio. TIEZA. Agencies. Contractors.
Do the right thing.

For the lake. For our children. For generations yet to enjoy this precious heritage.

01/09/2026

Burnham Lake Without Proper Lake Bed Rehab

Here’s what happens when a stagnant lake has exposed soil on the bottom instead of a protective sand-and-gravel substrate—and no water pump or filtration system:

**Stage 1:** Fresh rainwater fills the lake. Clear water, lots of newly released carp swimming happily. Looks perfect… for a short while.

**Stage 2:** Soil particles mix into the water, nutrients leach out, and a thick green algal bloom takes over. Oxygen levels drop. Fewer healthy carp remain.

**Stage 3:** Complete fishkill. Pollution from the bare soil + zero oxygenation turns the lake toxic. Everything dies.

This is exactly why lake-bed ecosystem rehabilitation (proper substrate cover) + continuous water circulation and filtration are non-negotiable. Without them, a beautiful lake becomes a dead zone.

01/09/2026

Celebrating my 9th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

19/08/2026

🌿 **Burnham Lake: Beautification or True Rehabilitation?**
**Countdown to Sept. 1, 2026 Opening – Only 13 Days Left!**

As Baguio gears up to reopen the iconic Burnham Lake on September 1 for Charter Day, we must ask: Is this a genuine ecosystem restoration… or just another round of cosmetic infrastructure makeover?

To the City Government of Baguio, TIEZA, concerned national agencies, and the contractors involved — this is a call to conscience.

Yes, new boardwalks, reinforced walls, viewing decks, and fresh boats look good for photos and short-term tourism. But without **mandatory lake ecosystem rehabilitation and management**, we risk repeating the same cycle of stagnant, silty, flood-prone water that has plagued the lake for years.

What is still missing?
- Proper sand/gravel (and rock) substrate fill on the lake bed to support healthy aquatic life
- Industrial-grade water pumps, filtration, and aeration systems for continuous circulation and water quality
- Adequate water overflow outlets and robust drainage designed for Baguio’s reality

We all know the truth: constant typhoons and intense storms hit our mountain city. Upcoming weather systems will pour massive runoff into the lake. Without proper overflow systems and lake-bed management, flooding is not a possibility — it is inevitable. This is Mother Nature’s wrath reminding us that shortcuts have consequences.

This oversight raises a big question mark over ** ** and our status as a **UNESCO Creative City**. How can we claim to be a city that values creativity, sustainability, and quality of life when the heart of Burnham Park prioritizes short-term visual polish over long-term ecological health?

Cosmetic beautification is temporary.
True lake rehabilitation is generational.

Imagine the rewards if we do it right:
✨ Crystal-clear water
🐟 Healthy fish populations
🌱 Thriving underwater and aquatic plants
💎 A true jewel of Baguio — a living showcase for locals and tourists alike, boosting sustainable tourism for decades to come

The September 1 opening is almost here. There is still time to act. Let us not settle for a pretty but fragile lake. Let us demand the complete, science-based rehabilitation that Burnham Lake — and the people of Baguio — truly deserve.

City Government of Baguio. TIEZA. Agencies. Contractors.
Do the right thing.
For the lake. For our children. For generations yet to enjoy this precious heritage.

03/08/2026

📢 Open Letter to Hon. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the Contractor (Dungan Constructors & Trading Corp. / Moment Diagram Builders Joint Venture)

Your Honorable Mayor Magalong, and to the responsible contractor/s:

Burnham Lake is not just another park feature — it is the **heart** of Burnham Park, a man-made icon of Baguio City that generations have loved for its reflective waters, boating, and natural feel. While the new sunken garden and walkway look aesthetically pleasing, they should not be the main showcase of this rehabilitation.

**The true priority must be the water quality and the lake's ecosystem.**

A beautiful boardwalk around murky or algae-filled water defeats the purpose. Residents and tourists deserve a healthy, clean lake that sustains life — not just a photo backdrop.

Why was a holistic rehabilitation not implemented?

- No proper sand and gravel substrate fill to create a stable, natural base for the lake bed.

- No industrial-grade water filtration system installed for ongoing upkeep and circulation.

These are basic ecological requirements for a man-made lake to prevent stagnation, control algae, maintain clarity, and support aquatic life. Without them, we risk repeating past problems with poor water quality, foul odors, and high maintenance costs in the near future.

The rehabilitation had a chance to restore ecological balance and improve water quality sustainably, as originally aimed. Focusing on landscaping and walkways while skipping these critical underwater foundations feels incomplete and shortsighted for long-term sustainability.

Baguio deserves better. Let us not settle for cosmetic upgrades.

Please consider additional measures — proper substrate layering, a reliable filtration/aeration system, and a science-based maintenance plan — before fully reopening.

Our lake's health is far more important than any new walkway.

Mabuhay ang Baguio! Let's make Burnham Lake truly vibrant again, not just visually, but ecologically.

Greenpeace Philippines

02/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/avianquest/posts/pfbid02JLSC5saCv33Goxu2JZgUYUH12JghiDjiRtCVdmRzYmuN9sCZh6d8wCRuzjSnXm7cl

📢 Open Letter to Hon. Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the Contractor (Dungan Constructors & Trading Corp. / Moment Diagram Builders Joint Venture)

Your Honorable Mayor Magalong, and to the responsible contractor/s:

Burnham Lake is not just another park feature — it is the **heart** of Burnham Park, a man-made icon of Baguio City that generations have loved for its reflective waters, boating, and natural feel. While the new sunken garden and walkway look aesthetically pleasing, they should not be the main showcase of this rehabilitation.

**The true priority must be the water quality and the lake's ecosystem.**

A beautiful boardwalk around murky or algae-filled water defeats the purpose. Residents and tourists deserve a healthy, clean lake that sustains life — not just a photo backdrop.

Why was a holistic rehabilitation not implemented?

- No proper sand and gravel substrate fill to create a stable, natural base for the lake bed.

- No industrial-grade water filtration system installed for ongoing upkeep and circulation.

These are basic ecological requirements for a man-made lake to prevent stagnation, control algae, maintain clarity, and support aquatic life. Without them, we risk repeating past problems with poor water quality, foul odors, and high maintenance costs in the near future.

The rehabilitation had a chance to restore ecological balance and improve water quality sustainably, as originally aimed. Focusing on landscaping and walkways while skipping these critical underwater foundations feels incomplete and shortsighted for long-term sustainability.

Baguio deserves better. Let us not settle for cosmetic upgrades.

Please consider additional measures — proper substrate layering, a reliable filtration/aeration system, and a science-based maintenance plan — before fully reopening.

Our lake's health is far more important than any new walkway.

Mabuhay ang Baguio! Let's make Burnham Lake truly vibrant again, not just visually, but ecologically.

Greenpeace Philippines