The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – Green Green Green Program with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as well as the inauguration and groundbreaking of project segments for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade.
The two programs, both aimed at enhancing public open spaces, are the MMDA’s response and support to the commitment of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to enhancing public open spaces and fostering green infrastructure.
“The MMDA expresses its full support for the Green Green Green program, as it aligns perfectly with the authority’s mission to enhance the quality of urban living.”
“The MMDA expresses its full support for the Green Green Green program, as it aligns perfectly with the authority’s mission to enhance the quality of urban living,” MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said in the launching ceremony.
Launched by the DBM in 2017 and initially referred to as “Local Government Support Fund-Assistance to Cities,” the Green Green Green Program is now revived and aligned with the priorities of the administration, as laid down in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The program is paralleled to the ambitious Build Better More program of the President.
Aside from enhancing public open spaces, the program also aims to assist LGUs in making their communities more livable, sustainable, and well-connected through the implementation of green infrastructure which should be designed for the environment, for resilience, and for people.
Included in the General Appropriations Act for the fiscal year 2024, the LGSF-Green Green Green Program will have a fund allocation for the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces such as public/municipal parks and plazas, nature and family/recreational parks, arboretums and botanical gardens; and, infrastructure for active mobility such as physically separated bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths and walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.
“As a testament to MMDA’s commitment to supporting the Green Green Green program, we will provide supplemental funds for the 17 Metro Manila LGUs. These additional resources, on top of the said program, will enable the incorporation of innovative technologies into our greening initiatives,” Artes said.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to turning Metro Manila into a greener, more resilient metropolis, mirroring the broader goals of the Green Green Green program to cultivate livable and sustainable urban environments across the nation,” he added.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the launching of LGSF- Green Green Green Program is a significant step towards making the communities more livable, sustainable, and interconnected, as she underscores the role of government in mainstreaming green and sustainable initiatives that will help in ushering economic growth and social development.
“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,” Pangandaman said.
In her keynote speech, Senator Loren Legarda described the Green Green Green Program as an initiative that will transform communities by prioritizing the improvement of public spaces.
“The Green Green Green Program underscores that economic progress should not come at the expense of environmental degradation. We thrive for a balanced approach for development, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs,” Legarda said.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, for his part, said that the Program is a symbol of unity in response to the need of having more parks and public spaces.
“This aligns with our international commitment to achieving sustainable development goals and also echoes our role of establishing livable communities by providing access to green spaces,” Acuzar said.
In the fulfillment of its mission to provide enhanced quality of urban living, the MMDA likewise presents project milestones for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade which is part of the broader Adopt-a-Park initiative for Pasay City.
Divided into four sections, each with unique features and activities, the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Park was envisioned as a model of inter-agency collaboration, involving the MMDA as the primary proponent and implementer, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) as the land owner, Pasay City as the partner LGU, and Federal Land Inc. as the private sector partner.
The first two segments of the park, which are the light park and field offices is now open to the public. Area 1 or the field offices will house satellite offices of MMDA and PRA to ensure proper management, operations, and maintenance of the promenade.
Adjacent to the satellite offices is Area 2 or the Light Park which features various lighting attractions and installations such as pocket seating area, gravity lighting, tunnel lights, bamboo pole lighting, and dandelion lights, designed to create a lively and imaginative atmosphere, making it an engaging and enjoyable place for children and families.
The other half of the project site, which is the Area 3 (Active Park Zone/Linear Park) and Area 4 (Parking and Play Area) is set to be constructed after the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the MMDA and the Federal Land, Inc.
The two areas will center on the promotion of various physical activities for children, adults, and even pets. A pet park will be designed and installed in a wide, enclosed area for fur friends and their fur parents to enjoy the outdoors together. The Active Park will likewise feature a jogging and bike oval for health enthusiasts.
This project highlights the importance of creating dynamic and inclusive public spaces in the heart of Metropolitan Manila.”
“The Roxas Boulevard Promenade represents a significant step towards enhancing urban livability by transforming a once neglected area into a vibrant community space. This project not only showcases the potential of collaborative efforts between government and private entities but also highlights the importance of creating dynamic and inclusive public spaces in the heart of Metropolitan Manila,” Artes said.
PRA Chairman Atty. Alexander Lopez, Federal Land Chairman Alfred Ty, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano each express their support in the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project.
Aside from the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, there are other 27 parks developed by the MMDA across different locations in Metro Manila, utilizing various funding sources.
