The light park showcases various lighting displays, such as tunnel lights, gravity lights, pole lights, dandelion lights, and a small seating area. (PBS-BBS)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is indeed his mother’s son -- he is naturally inclined to urban rejuvenation and development.
The Roxas Boulevard Promenade exemplifies the transformative power of public-private collaboration in creating vibrant, inclusive urban spaces that enhance the livability of Metropolitan Manila. (Philippine News Agency)
Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos is world-renowned for her glamour.
She oversaw numerous beautification projects in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila where she once served as governor.
ENHANCING PH GREEN SPACES
Following his mother’s footsteps, President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to improving the country’s green spaces led to the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project.
The project, seen as a continuation of the former First Lady’s legacy, enhances the green corridor along the Manila Bay area between the Libertad Pumping Station and the intersection of Edsa and Roxas Boulevard.
The multipurpose park project spans 800 linear meters and boasts a width of 22 meters, covering an approximate area of 17,495 square meters.
The project forms part of the city's Adopt-a-Park initiative and also involves the construction of satellite offices for the MMDA and the Philippine Reclamation Authority. (PRA)
It is divided into three sections: a futsal area equipped with a mini futsal field, artificial turf, benches, bleachers, and fences; a wellness plaza featuring a jogging path, bike lane, seating area, and solar lamp posts; and a pet-friendly zone with pet furniture, security fences, and ground cover.
‘NOT JUST ABOUT CREATING A PARK’
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)is the main proponent of
the project “Adopt a Park Program - Proposed Roxas Boulevard Promenade,
Pasay City”.
MMDA Acting Chairman Romando “Don” Artes stressed during the signing of
the Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) for the groundbreaking ceremony on
September 13, 2023 that the “Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project is not just
about creating a park; it is about creating a space where families can bond,
advocate fitness, a place of recreation and leisure, and a place to breathe.”
The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), being the landowner, has agreed to use the area to help promote urban green spaces development in the metropolis.
The Pasay City Government is also a party to the MOA as partner LGU, and
the Federal Land Inc. as the private sector partner.
“This project is the first of many projects that will represent a harmonious
blend of urban development and green spaces, designed to enhance the
quality of life for all residents of Metropolitan Manila,” he added.
The MMDA unveiled the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Light Park along the
sidewalk of the thoroughfare in Pasay City on July 11, 2024.
It features several fun lighting installations that include tunnel lights, gravity
lighting, pole lighting, dandelion lights, and a pocket seating area to rest that
are designed to create a lively and imaginative atmosphere.
Indeed, the park is an engaging and enjoyable place for children.
EMBRACING CHANGE
Zen Dominguez, whose family owns and runs a small carinderia along the boulevard for generations, admittedthey already accepted the fate of the family business being affected by the project’s ongoing construction.
“That’s part of life. We need to embrace change especially for the sake of
improvement. We have been benefittingfrom our carinderia for a long time. It’s now time for the government to pursue progress for the benefit of many Filipinos,” Zen said in Filipino.
Zen’s sentiment was echoed by Rezz Sta. Ana, a long-time resident of Pasay City. “Let us give way to development for the sake of the economy and the future generations to come. The project, anyway is for a cleaner and beautiful environment,” he said.
It bears noting that the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project is in consonance with the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program launched by the Department of Budget and Management(DBM) in collaboration with the MMDA at the Metro Park in Pasay City on July 11, 2024, coinciding with the inauguration of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project.
In its 2024 budget, DBM allotted P1.055 billion for the program to benefit 38 cities and municipalities in Luzon, 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao.
The allocation bankrolled the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces, including public and municipal parks and plazas of LGUs nationwide.
“With the launch of the Green Green Program and today’s inauguration of Roxas Blvd. Promenade Project, we are able to take a huge step towards fulfilling the President’s goal of a Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is committed to the improvement of life in the community, involved in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy ecology, and devoted in providing secure environments that will benefit future generations,” said DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman during the unveiling program.
The program can likewise fund LGUs’ infrastructure projects such as bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.
The program supports President Marcos’ Build Better More Program and is aligned with the priorities outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
These efforts also highlight the importance of inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnerships in creating sustainable, livable, and resilient communities for Filipinos.