BAGUIO CITY – The city eyes making a “punch list” of the Baguio Convention Center rehabilitation works to determine and correct possible defects and deficiencies in the construction before the actual completion of the project.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong agreed to the suggestion of City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña and City Building and Architecture Office Asst. Head Johnny Degay to validate the integrity and workmanship of the structure in view of the glaring flaws the mayor noticed when the city used the facility for the Baguio Day celebration last September.
He said the city has to do the punch list while it is possible to conduct a thorough check-up of the jobs done and the materials installed instead of doing it after the project’s completion which would entail the dismantling of the installations. Dela Pena said he will arrange a meeting with project implementer Dept. of Public Works and Highways Cordillera Regional Director Tiburcio Canlas for the contractor to accommodate the validation activities.
The mayor admitted having reached a decision not to accept the project because of the poor workmanship of the structure as evidenced by the defective ceiling and warped flooring they observed during the Baguio Day event.
They also noted the inferior quality of the chairs installed but Dela Peña said this was what was indicated in the project specifications.
The mayor said that with its current workmanship, the facility’s safety is suspect and accepting the project would put the city government in a compromising situation.
The project worth P169 million was started in March 2018 and is projected for completion in February 2020.
DPWH-CAR officials and the contractor had earlier assured compliance to the plans and specifications approved for the project./ Aileen P. Refuerzo
