Project Title & Location
MASTER PLANNING OF THE GSIS BAGUIO CONVENTION CENTER SITE
Government Center, Baguio City

Client
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM Financial Center Reclamation Area
Pasay City

Project Completion
2001

Associated Firms
Amh Philippines, Engineers
PROS Personnel- 2
Person- months- 8

Services Provided
- Site analysis
- Master development planning
- Land use recommendations

Built in 1978, the Baguio Convention Center sits on a 4.8-hectare property. It is considered as one of the most imposing edifices north of Metro Manila. In order to generate additional revenues in the facility, the Government Service Insurance System sees fit to determine additional uses that shall enhance the viability of the Convention Center, The site is generally rolling terrain. Less than 50% is flat but heavily planted to trees. Access to the center is by way of the Government Center Cut-Off Road along the northwest.

The site is to be developed as a Tourist and Convention Village, a word-class amenity, a showcase of local culture and trade, and a venue to support the growth of Baguio's tourism market. This is achieved through the provision of sufficient and efficient tourism, convention and conference facilities.

The development of the center site shall adopt the vision of the Cordillera Tourism Master Plan, which emphasizes culture and nature as major thrusts for development. The development does not need to stand on its own, but should blend with its neighbors, as this shall eventually form part of the larger tourism program to have a continuous trail of sights that begins at Burnham Park and culminates at Mines View Park.

The maximum buildable area for the site is derived from the overlaying of existing site conditions. Baguio City discourages the cutting of trees with caliper diameter greater than 150 millimeters. For this reason the site will have a total of 3.59 hectares that are buildable.