Offiicals of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) have intiated discussions on the implementation of various programs, projects and activities in Metro Manila.
DILG-NCR division chiefs discussed the accomplishments from the first semester and the targets for the second semester of 2023 during the Regional Team Conference.
Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos welcomed the conferees and expounded on the rationale behind the development of the Garden of Life Park, a highly successful attempt to simultaneously fill a public need, generate additional income for the city and create a green public space that people can enjoy.
“Made part of the RTC’s program of activities is a tour of the Garden of Life, touted as one of the host city’s projects that exemplify best practices in the use of local government resources for a public good. Mr. Leandro Natividad, Officer-in-Charge of the City of Life Park welcomed the RTC contingents, where they saw firsthand the Garden of Life project, a cemetery, columbarium, crematorium, and chapel, all built in one contiguous location,’’ the DILG noted.
Abraham Raposon of the City Planning and Development Department and City Licensed Embalmer and Garden of Life Focal Person Christopher Aquino led the tour of the park, explaining its various features and plans for further development in the future.
In the area of tourism governance, Nolan V. Angeles, head of the City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department, provided an overview of the Mandaluyong Tourism and Cultural Development Plan, which contains the plans and programs to promote tourism in the city, mainly by improving tourist-oriented facilities and enhancing the overall tourism experience.
Former Mandaluyong City Vice Mayor Jesse Cruz also joined the RTC and forwarded the idea of involving leagues such as the Vice Mayor’s League to further expand and strengthen civil society organization and stakeholder participation in local government affairs.