The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, together with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the local governments of Makati and Pasay City, inaugurated the Tripa de Gallina Neighborhood Upgrading Project located in Brgy. San Isidro, Makati City.
The inauguration and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding was led by MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Yazmin Lagdameo, and Brgy. San Isidro Head Rolando “Duka” Alvarez Jr.
Also in attendance were MMDA Deputy Chairman Usec. Frisco San Juan Jr., General Manager Usec. Procopio Lipana, DHSUD Usec. Avelino Tolentino III, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, World Bank official Georges Comair, and Miss Environment International 2023 and Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 Ms. Shannon Robinson.
The initial site spans approximately 881 linear meters with an average width of 6 meters of Estero Tripa de Gallina.
Some features of the linear park include the paving and landscaping of the easement, public toilet with wash area and rain harvesting tank, playground sets and exercise equipment, greenhouse with rainwater harvesting tank, and vegetable beds, trellis and plant racks.
“We have installed colorful LED lights at the railings and the dual power solar/electrical LED bollard lighting fixtures to beautify the nightscape.”
“We have also provided barangay outposts and steel gates for the security of park goers. Also, we have installed colorful LED lights at the railings and the dual power solar/electrical LED bollard lighting fixtures to beautify the nightscape,” Artes explained.
According to the MMDA chief, the linear park will be the model for future developments of the waterway under the Tripa de Gallina urban renewal initiative.
“The MMDA has installed numerous trash traps, a sewerage treatment plant, and conducted dredging activities to help in cleaning the Estero de Tripa de Gallina and the connected waterways.”
“The MMDA has installed numerous trash traps, a sewerage treatment plant, and conducted dredging activities to help in cleaning the Estero de Tripa de Gallina and the connected waterways,” he added.
The project aims to promote a safe environment and help improve public health and quality of life within the community, help sustain interest and effect positive behavioral change in keeping the waterways free of garbage and other trash, encourage the community to actively participate in community-based sewerage management practices, and to deter illegal encroachments and further deterioration of communities along the waterways.
Avelino said that successful cleaning of the Tripa de Gallina waterways is just the start, and this will be the inspiration and template of the DHSUD and LGUs to clean the waterways not just in Metro Manila but the whole Philippines.
Calixto- Rubiano expressed her support to the agency’s programs and projects in protecting the environment.
The maintenance of the linear park will be turned over to the local government of Makati City and Barangay Head of San Isidro.
For her part, Makati City Vice Mayor Lagdameo committed to maintain and take care of the park.
The neighborhood upgrading project is part of Component 2 of the flood management project that is being implemented by MMDA and funded by the World Bank, which aims to minimize solid waste in the waterways of Metro Manila.
