The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority inaugurated the first park under the “I Love Metro Manila” (I ♡MM) Adopt-A-Park Project in Valenzuela City as part of the celebration of its 24th cityhood anniversary.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos and Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian led the inauguration of the MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park in Disiplina Village, Brgy. Bignay.
It has four areas designed by the city government and funded and constructed by MMDA.
The park shall cater to different age groups from toddlers with its safe and spacious playsets; teens and adults with its shaded benches, fountain and multi-function space.
There is also an area with exercise equipment for the elderlies and health buffs.
The MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park is one of the 17 open spaces to be built across Metro Manila as part of the urban re-greening and renewal initiatives to address urban decay, raise environmental awareness and encourage inclusiveness.
According to Abalos, the purpose of this project, which is his brainchild, is to develop under-utilized parks by improving their usability especially in this time of pandemic.
“The pandemic made us realize the importance of ventilation, open, and green spaces.”
“The pandemic made us realize the importance of ventilation, open, and green spaces. With these parks being improved and open to the public, we can provide an area for family events and wellness activities which are both equally necessary for physical and mental health,” the traffic chief said.
The traffic head also said that it is a way of giving back to the local government units of Metro Manila for their share of internal revenue allotment as source of funds and budget of the agency.
“The MMDA is beyond grateful for the help of the National Capital Region LGUs for the agency. Through these parks, we can repay them by providing open spaces for their fellow constituents,” he said.
For Gatchalian, the establishment of the park will provide more space for recreation and encourage better mobility.
“It is part of the city’s vision to take back the streets to people to make Valenzuela more livable.”
“It is part of the city’s vision to take back the streets to people to make Valenzuela more livable,” the mayor said.
Almost 5,000 families are expected to benefit from the MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park.
The Adopt-A-Park Project, which was conceptualized last March 2021, aims to develop or rehabilitate existing open spaces in each LGU in Metro Manila into functional green parks as well as develop under-utilized parks.
“I Love Metro Manila” is an advocacy envisioned to uplift the spirits of its residents recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to strengthen initiatives on urban renewal that aims to transform the metropolis to be a more livable, greener, and resilient region.
