Christmas guests push Baguio tourist spots to open for 24 hours

With the high number of visitors going up to the city, some tourist destinations in Baguio have extended their operations to 24 hours over the Christmas holidays. 

According to a "24 Oras" report by Joan Ponsoy of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, among the major attractions in the city are the Baguio Botanical Garden, and Burnham Park where tourists may rent bicycles and go-karts.

“Sayang kung magsasara pa, dire-diretso na lang ng 24 hours kami,” go-kart rental operator Joseph Albayalde said.

(It will be a waste to close. We’ll continue our operations for 24 hours.)

The traffic situation in Baguio improved on Monday but the lack of parking spaces remained an issue. 

This developed a day after Kennon Road, where the iconic Lion’s Head statue is located, was opened to motorists on Sunday. 

"Ipinagbabawal muna naming itong mga six wheeler trucks at UV express.  Maraming reckless drivers, maraming kolorum,” Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong said. 

(We will temporarily ban six-wheeler trucks and UV Express from passing Kennon Road. There are a lot of reckless drivers and colorum vehicles.)

Further, the city government is implementing the “bakasyon lane” scheme which sets an alternative route for motorists intending to visit nearby destinations such as Sagada and Mt. Pulag and prevents them from passing through the Baguio central business district.  —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News