Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron said the watchtower and the zipline facilities at Balayong People’s Park in Barangay Sta. Monica are currently closed after defects were found.
Bayron acknowledged that while the watchtower had been used shortly after completion, it was later shut down after inspections showed areas that needed repair.
He said the City Architecture Office recommended its temporary closure due to safety concerns.
The watchtower was inaugurated and opened to the public in the third quarter of 2021 as part of the 63-hectare new green space that the city government developed in 2019.
“Nagamit na ‘yan noon, nasira na nga lang. Nagamit na ‘yan noon, matagal na. Ngayon, ang sabi ng City Architecture Office, isasara muna dahil may mga lugar na kailangang ayusin. Wala pang [target na maayos,] pero aayusin ngayong [taong 2026],” Bayron said.
The mayor said the city government will bid out the materials needed for the repair works, which are expected to be undertaken next year.
He also addressed the delayed opening of the Screaming Eagle Zipline at the park, saying that while the main tower structure has already been completed, key access components were not built, preventing its use by the public.
“Yung sa zipline, nagawa ‘yung tower tapos hindi nagawa ‘yung malapit sa highway. Kung titingnan mo doon, saan ka at paano ka babalik sa kalsada?” he said.
“Hindi nagawa ‘yun pero ngayon ay napondohan na rin ‘yun at gagawin ngayong [2026]. Kapag sumakay ka ng zipline, pagdating mo doon sa baba, mayroon kang magagamit na daanan para makabalik doon sa konkretong kalsada,” he explained.
According to plans, the zipline will be a thrilling new attraction at Balayong People’s Park, providing visitors with breathtaking vistas as they soar into the air. It was inaugurated only in March 2025.
Bayron issued the statement following social media posts questioning why the Balayong Watch Tower and zipline remain unused and alleging that public funds had been wasted.
The City Mayor’s Office earlier denied claims that more than ₱60 million was spent on the elevated view deck tower, saying the project cost more than ₱16 million.
The office said the watchtower has been closed since August 2025 for safety reasons.
