By Rizal Obanil A Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas was given the rare opportunity to present to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno his thesis proposal on the redevelopment of the Manila Zoo on Monday. Kevin Siy Portfolio with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno
(Kevin Siy Portfolio / MANILA BULLETIN) “To be honest it was really a blessing in disguise. After I posted my thesis proposal, one of the councilors fortunately saw it and showed it to Mayor Isko. That’s just how I got the opportunity to present it to them. It was just a perfect timing because Mayor Isko wants to redevelop Manila Zoo and was looking for someone who can design a concept,” Kenrick Siy told the Manila Bulletin. Siy said that it took around a year to come up with his thesis proposal and he worked on it as part of the requirements. He explained that he chose the topic because he was an animal lover and is a true blue Manileño. “Like I said, most of the people in my generation would say that Manila Zoo became a big part of my childhood. And I really had a couple of great memories with my family there. And as I pass by the zoo going to school, seeing it fade through time made me turn it into my thesis project. I thought that making a thesis project that is close to my heart can motivate me more in making a good design,” Siy explained. The 23-year-old UST graduate said that his meeting with the Manila mayor was at first overwhelming and he was very thankful for the opportunity. “It was definitely overwhelming at first, but Mayor Isko and I share a common goal and that is to bring back Manila Zoo to its prime which made it easier for me to speak up about my thesis proposal,” he narrated. Being an animal lover, he said humans should take the initiative to take care of animals and treat them well. Siy’s Facebook post on his meeting with the Manila Mayor has already garnered more than 9,300 reactions and has been shared more than 2,400 times.