Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRP Foundation), the charitable arm of integrated resort City of Dreams Manila parent firm Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation, officially turned over the newly rehabilitated Sunshine Park to the Baguio City local government.
Led by Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong and MRP Foundation vice-president Armin Antonio B Raquel Santos, the inaugural handover ceremony featured student performers from the University of the Cordilleras, highlighting the site’s deep-rooted connection to the city’s academic and creative circles.
The extensive rehabilitation initiative was backed by a PHP 20-million investment that underscores a growing trend amongst premium integrated resort operators to actively invest in the environmental and cultural preservation of destinations outside the immediate capital region.
This unique northern venture likewise represents a broader, multi-million-peso social impact blueprint mapped by the MRP Foundation in alignment with the mandate of the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Earlier this year, the foundation successfully deployed PHP 50 million to transform Caloocan City’s People’s Park into an expansive green destination, alongside a PHP 9.9-million donation of security assets and vehicles to the PNP National Capital Region Police Office in January to enhance regional public safety.
Urban renewal casts the spotlight on ancient heritage
Rather than erasing the heritage of Sunshine Park, the redevelopment deliberately preserved historical focal points, including its original stage, ramp, and drop-off zones.
Upgraded infrastructure was instead focused on introducing modern pathways, outdoor calisthenics equipment, integrated picnic facilities, and sophisticated landscaping.
Enhancing its creative footprint, the park now features a bespoke public art installation titled Language of Photography by celebrated local artist Clinton Aniversario.
According to MRP president Clarence Chung: "Our support for the rehabilitation of Sunshine Park, in collaboration with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), reflects MRP Foundation’s commitment to creating lasting value through public spaces that strengthen communities.”
Strategically located near the University of the Philippines Baguio within close proximity to key transport, commerce, and civic hubs, Sunshine Park acts as an essential green lung and communal zone for tourists, students, and residents alike.
This is what collaborative stakeholder engagement looks like
Executed under the Baguio City Government’s progressive Adopt-a-Park programme, the project is the result of years of structural observations and multi-stakeholder consultations.
According to Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas, the design process was guided by an "education beyond walls" ethos, ensuring the space remains fit for multi-generational learning and creative expression.
Magalong praised the initiative further, framing it as a benchmark for public-private partnerships that align directly with Baguio’s broader sustainability objectives, which include the forthcoming rehabilitation of the neighbouring Tree Park.
