MMDA launches first park under Adopt-A-Park Project

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday launched its first park under the “I Love Metro Manila” Adopt-A-Park Project.

According to the MMDA, the Adopt-A-Park Project, conceptualized in March last year, seeks to rehabilitate open spaces in each local government in Metro Manila into functional green parks and develop the underutilized parks.

The MMDA inaugurated the first park under the project in Valenzuela City as part of its 24th cityhood anniversary.

The MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park, located in Disiplina Village, Barangay Bignay, has four areas designed by the local government and built and funded by the government agency.

Nearly 5,000 families are expected to benefit from the space developed by the government.

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos noted that this is the agency’s way of compensating the local government units (LGUs) for their portion of the agency’s internal revenue allotment as a source of the agency’s budget.

“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,” Abalos said in a statement.

“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 added.

The MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park is one of the 17 open spaces that will be developed around the region as part of the “metro-wide re-greening and restoration measures to combat urban decay, elevate environmental awareness, and promote inclusion in the community.” With a report from Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net trainee

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TAGS: Adopt-A-Park, mental health, valenzuela