The Maharlika Livelihood Center, the oldest mall in Baguio, has been reacquired by the local government after more than 50 years. It was built during the first Marcos administration on the site of a burned-down market.
For many years, the mall was operated under a lease agreement that lasted longer than several administrations. In a formal turnover ceremony on May 28, management officially transferred from the Human Settlements Development Corporation (HSDC) to the City Government of Baguio.
Many residents are asking if the old escalators at Maharlika are still usable. According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the city has allocated ₱25 million for the mall's operations. But since the old escalators are expensive to maintain, he said it would be better to replace them in the 2026 budget.
DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro called the Maharlika a symbol of Baguini's resilience, especially since it has weathered the 1990 earthquake, powerful typhoons, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magalong said the return of the mall is not just a legal and administrative step, but also a city pledge to renovate and revitalize areas that are important to Baguio residents.
