The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has inaugurated its latest adopt-a-park program—the Greenzone Park Phase 2 in Barangay Bangkulasi in Navotas City.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes, Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Congressman Toby Tiangco led the inauguration and blessing of the 3,500 square meter park.
Artes said the Greenzone Park Phase 2 is one of the 17 projects of the MMDA that aims to provide pocket parks to all the local government units (LGU) in the National Capital Region.
“Every year, the agency will set aside funds to support the development of parks for each LGU,” Artes said.
“Earlier, Mayor Tiangco and I have discussed the idea of developing more open areas such as the old creek which was converted into a box culvert. Mayor Tiangco proposed to have it developed into a park for people to enjoy,” he added.
The Greenzone Park used to be an abandoned area where residents throw their garbage at and the area was used as a chicken den.
“We proposed to the agency to help us install free wireless fidelity (wi-fi) to the area for residents to enjoy,” said Mayor Tiangco.
Tiangco and his older brother Congressman Toby expressed gratitude to the MMDA and appealed to the residents of Navotas to take care of the park and maintain its cleanliness.
Under the Adopt-A-Park project, which started last year and was the brainchild of former MMDA chairman and now Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., the LGU shall propose the location, design, and cost estimate, while the MMDA sets the criteria for site selection, provides funding, and implements the construction of the project.
Through this, the MMDA hopes to curb urban decay and reduce urban heat effects as well as provide safe and clean areas for family events and wellness activities, which are both important to the physical and mental health of the public.