No trees will be cut in the redevelopment of Arroceros Park Urban Forest Park in the city, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso assured.
Domagoso said he will be working closely with the environmental groups in the redevelopment of Arroceros to assure that no trees will be cut and that the park will be protected during its refurbishment.
“It seems meron kayong issue sa Arroceros Park. Now is the time for you to air your side. Kasi when I was being accused of cutting trees, that is a blatant lie. Whoever said that I am here with you, in front of you, it’s a blatant lie. I don’t cut trees, I plant trees,” he said.
Environmental groups led by Winner Foundation have expressed their concerns that the redevelopment of the park may eventually kill the more than 3,000 trees in the area.
Domagoso reiterated that no trees were cut in the ongoing construction of walkways and other facilities in Arroceros Park.
“I’m happy that everyone is here who seems to have an interest in Arroceros Park but have no idea of what’s happening in Arroceros Park. What you’re telling the public is that two to three trees were cut by the city government. Like what Ms. Bea Dolores said in her Facebook post that I cut trees. One, I did not cut any trees and I hope you give me a chance today to explain everything,” he added.
Domagoso, meanwhile, also bared his plan to construct amenities like play areas, kiosks, and public toilets, as well as a landscape with an elevated path walk, a special lighting system, and water fountains.
“I want people to walk around. I want them to have a fresh and open air but with a safe path for kids, for senior citizens, and for anybody who will visit Arroceros Park. Things can be done properly if we work together."
“Natutuwa ako sa ating mga partners, Winners Foundation, and all other environmentalists, who took time to visit us and talk to us and show them ‘yung development ng Arroceros Park because we wanted to develop that, making it bigger, more open green spaces, and maayos ‘yung seclusion para the next generation ng Batang Maynila, meron silang protected park or the ‘last lung’ of the city (I am pleased with our partners, Winners Foundation, and all other environmentalists, who took time to visit us and talk to us and show them the development of Arroceros Park because we wanted to develop that, making it bigger, more open green spaces, and seclusion is good for the next generation of Batang Maynila, they have a protected park or the 'last lung' of the city),” Domagoso said.
Also present during the meeting were the Manila Doctors, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, Pamanlahi, Center for Energy, Ecology and Development, Earth Island Institute and Renacimiento Manila and The Climate Reality Project Philippines.
In February 2020, Domagoso signed Ordinance No. 8607, officially declaring the park along Arroceros Street as a permanent forest park.