Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso commended the local government of Naga City for its effort in creating green spaces in the city.
Domagoso held a dialogue with members of the LGBTQ+ community, women sector, and barangay health workers at the Pasilong sa Naga in Barangay East Poblacion on Sunday, Dec. 5.
In his speech, Domagoso praised Naga City Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong for her efforts in transforming the area into a world-class park.
“Alam ninyo, marami-rami na rin akong napuntahang munisipyo, syudad. Mapalad kayo dito sa Naga City sapagkat meron kayong alkalde na binabawi at ibinabahagi muli sa salinlahi, to the next generation, ang kasaysayan kung saan tayo nanggaling at ano tayo bilang mamamayan (I've been to a lot of municipalities, cities. You are lucky here in Naga City because you have a mayor who is taking back and sharing again with the next generation, to the next generation, the history of where we came from and what we are as citizens),” Domagoso said.
“Pasilong sa Naga,” which means “to find shade in Naga,” is a P75.4-million park that was constructed to address the need for more open spaces in the city.
The park has interlocking circles of elevated walkways, fountains, benches, and rest areas.
“Mapalad kayo that your city mayor, your officials creating such open green spaces for you. Dadami ang tao, kakaunti ang espasyo, sisikip, di na magiging maaliwalas. Ngunit what the leadership of your local government did is para kayo ay may lugar na mapupuntahan. Lalo na ngayon lagi na lang nasa bahay diba, puro quarantine (You are blessed that your city mayor, your officials are creating such open green spaces for you. Our population will grow and there will be lesser space, it will be crowded, it will not be airy. But what the leadership of your local government did is for you to have a place to go. Especially now that some are always at home, always under quarantine),” Domagoso pointed out.
Having open green spaces in every community can encourage physical exercises, provide spaces for socializing, and decrease noise and air pollution, he added.
The Manila mayor also believes that it can also help in psychological restoration.
“This is the type of place that creates certain environment, psychologically and emotionally affects favorably sa puso, isipan, at damdamin ng tao (the hearts, minds, and emotions of our people). Kaya palakpakan ninyo ang ating mayor nagulat ako talaga, promise (You should applaud your mayor, I'm really surprised, promise),” he said.
Domagoso had recently led the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Arroceros Urban Forest Park.
“Kung mapapansin ninyo, kung maaalala ninyo about 10 days ago, nagstart na muli ‘yung redevelopment ng Arroceros Park, the last lung of the city para to make it available to the general public (If you notice, if you remember about 10 days ago the redevelopment of Arroceros Park started again, the last lung of the city to make it available to the general public),” he shared.
One of Domagoso's goals in the City of Manila is to reclaim lost open green spaces in the city occupied illegally by vendors, vagrants, and illegal settlers.
Domagoso was joined by Deputy Speaker and 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia in his tour of Naga City.