Baguio tourist spot closed over violations

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Igorot Stone Kingdom, a theme park in this city, has been ordered closed over safety issues and for operating without a business permit.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued the closure order on Tuesday and told the owner to comply with the requirements.

On Monday, the buildings and architecture office of the city government filed a case against the owner of the park for violation of the National Building Code.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau had earlier said the area where the park is located is prone to erosion.

Based on the climate risk and vulnerability assessment conducted by the Asian Development Bank and city disaster risk reduction and management office, the structure is in a “very high landslide exposure.”

Meanwhile, tourists visiting Baluarte, which was established by former governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, will now have to pay an entrance fee of P50.

Singson said the fee, which was collected starting Nov. 1, would be used for park maintenance, animal feed, electricity and salary of workers, among others.

“This is just a minimal amount for our visitors because we are spending more than P2 million monthly for maintenance of our facilities and animal feed,” Singson said.

Baluarte, which is located in Barangay Salindeg in Vigan City, is part of a tour package along with Crisologo street, where some of the old Spanish houses are located. – Jun Elias