In line with Gov. Imee R. Marcos’ vision to transform Ilocos Norte into a province that is “livable, sustainable, and resilient,” the provincial government on Wednesday launched the first of five public playgrounds-cum-fitness parks at the capitol grounds.
A Children’s Party highlighted the park opening, just before the “Paskua Mi Ditoy” (Pasko Namin Dito) Capitol Light-up, which marks the yearly provincial Christmas celebration and tourism campaign.
Fitness parks are also scheduled to open in Dingras, Badoc, Batac City, and Bacarra before the end of the year for the local government to gauge the project’s success before building playgrounds in all towns of Ilocos Norte.
Marcos revealed her latest vision for Ilocos Norte to become “livable, sustainable, and resilient” in her State of the Province Address last October 28, with the first goal including the creation of new public spaces to strengthen community relations.
Marcos said: “The first space is our home, the second space is our workplace, and the third space is the public domain… anywhere we congregate and form social capital, volunteer associations, binding friendships.
“Bokal [Provincial Board Member] Matthew [Marcos Manotoc] said we should exercise in our ‘3G’ playgrounds: three generations together, where the nannies can exercise while their kids are at play,” the governor added.
The 3G-park concept refers to a communal space where children and adults can come together and engage in active play or exercise in an environment that is both secure and ripe for recreation, which are other factors in Ilocos Norte’s “livable province” campaign.
Manotoc, the Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, advocates healthy and active lifestyles for Ilocanos, recently sponsoring Provincial Ordinance No. 005-2016, which will offer athletic scholarships to deserving Ilocos Norte youth.
Manotoc also plans the first province-wide youth sports program next summer to promote overall wellness, “encourage Ilocano youth to start playing sports and become active.”
Marcos had urged, “Timpuyog idiay kalsada, timpuyog pay ti plaza ken dap-ayan! [Unity on the streets, unity in the plaza and public spaces!].”