New rental fees for the use of the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center (BCCC), will take effect any time soon.
The Baguio City Council approved on third last Monday the ordinance revising the operations manual for the use of the BCCC which includes the rental fees of its halls, rooms, and other amenities as recommended by the Tourism and Special Events Division.
The study presented by City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo to the city council in 2021 showed that the proposed rental cost (now approved) of the BCCC is comparatively lower than the rental cost of the Vigan Convention Center which is also an LGU-owned facility.
Mapalo said the old rates are so low that the revenue from the operations can no longer cover its upkeep and operational costs.
In the old ordinance, cultural shows, concerts, and banquets held at the convention center were charged at only P9,000 for a 10-hour use while conventions/meetings were charged at only P6,500 for a 10-hour use.
Mapalo said based on the financial projections he prepared, an annual net income of P2 million can be gained from the operations of the convention center.
The rental fee of the full hall which has a maximum capacity of 2,000 shall be P80,000 for a 10-hour use per day; P45,000 for a five-hour use per day; and P5,000 per hour for extra hour use, rehearsal, and set up.
The rental fee of the ground hall which has a maximum capacity of 800 shall be P60,000 for a 10-hour use per day; P35,000 for a five-hour use per day; and P5,000 per extra hour.
The executive lounge (25 as the maximum capacity), executive boardroom (30 as the maximum capacity), and basement function room (70 as the maximum capacity) shall have a rental fee of P6,000 for a 10-hour per day; P3,500 for a five-hour use per day; and P400 per extra hour.
The lobby receiving room (50 as the maximum capacity) shall have a rental fee of P6,000 for a 10-hour per day; P3,000 for a five-hour use per day; and P400 per extra hour.
The rental fee of the whole basement which can accommodate up to 1,200 individuals shall be P40,000 for a 10-hour use per day; P22,000 for a five-hour use per day; and P5,000 per extra hour. For the half of the basement which can accommodate up to 200 individuals, the rent shall be P12,000 for a 10-hour use per day; P7,000 for a five-hour use per day, and P1,000 per extra hour.
Extra charges shall be billed for add-ons such as the use of multimedia projectors and LED video walls, air conditioning, and stationery kits, among others.
Non-government organizations, government agencies (regional and national), and other local government units shall be given a 15 percent discount on the venue fee for their fund-raising activities supporting beneficiaries with social or environmental impact and/or for social advocacy forums or religious activities which shall not charge any entrance or registration fees to the participants.
City government events that are commercial in nature shall also be charged with a 15 percent discount on the venue fee. The organizing or lead office of the event must include in their annual budget the item for venue rentals.
All official events or activities of the city government, except those that are commercial in nature, held at the convention center shall be charged with a 50 percent discount on all fees as long as they are pre-calendared and without prejudice to prior booking commitments to any entity. – Jordan G. Habbiling
