Manila begins redevelopment of Arroceros Urban Forest Park

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno (right) and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna led the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, for the redevelopment of Arroceros Urban Forest Park, dubbed as Manila’s “last lung.” (Photo from a video posted on Facebook by the Manila Public Informaation Office)

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna led the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Arroceros Urban Forest Park, dubbed as the national capital’s  “last lung.”

“As you know, Arroceros Park was almost lost. There was a plan to sell it, a plan to take away the place from us and our children, and all the other succeeding generations,” Domagoso said in a speech, speaking partly in Filipino.

“This will not be lost. Nothing will be taken away from it,” he added.

The improved urban forest park will have amenities like adult’s and children’s play areas, kiosks, and public toilets, along with landscaping that includes an elevated path walk, a special lighting system, and water fountains.

The area has been declared as a “permanent forest park” and dubbed it as the city’s “last lung” in an ordinance passed by the Manila City Council.

The 2.2-hectare park has more than 3,000 trees of 61 varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants and is home to 10 bird species.

Domagoso’s predecessor at city hall, former President Joseph Estrada, once planned to turn the park into a gymnasium.

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