Park goers asked to keep Luneta clean

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA—The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) appealed to the public on Monday to keep Rizal Park free of litter during the countdown to the New Year on Tuesday, noting that park goers left tons of garbage at the park on Christmas Day and the night before.

The NPDC issued the appeal as it announced that there would be a countdown to the New Year along with a fireworks display at Rizal Park on Dec. 31.

In line with the celebration, NPDC spokesperson Kennet Montegrande appealed to the public to dispose of their trash properly and maintain cleanliness.

“Our sweepers and garbage collectors on Thursday cleaned up tons of garbage left by people who celebrated Christmas Day at the park,” Montegrande said.

He added that not everyone took the time to throw their garbage properly in trash bins despite NPDC’s repeated appeal to the public to help the management of the park by being more responsible in disposing of their trash.

Aside from the countdown and fireworks display, the NPDC announced that there will also be a free concert at the park featuring some of the country’s top bands.

Montegrande assured the public that enough security personnel and police officers would be deployed at the park to maintain the “zero crime rate” record of the previous years.

According to NPDC records, more than one million people visited the park on Christmas Day, an indication that the place has become a favorite place for families and friends to celebrate special occasions.

Montegrande said the increase in the number of park goers may be attributed to the continuous improvement of the park and the variety of activities there.

“The park has become a ‘one-stop shop’ for the people as they go there not only to walk around but also to shop and bond with their families and friends,” Montergrande said.

Shops have been set up since the start of Simbang Gabi Masses at the central lagoon near the dancing fountain for park visitors.

Montegrande encouraged Metro Manila residents to celebrate a simple and meaningful New Year’s eve at Rizal Park instead of buying fireworks or spending too much money on food.

“We can also celebrate the New Year without forgetting the sad plight of our countrymen who lost life and limbs when supertyphoon Yolanda slammed Eastern Visayas. We are one with them in commemorating their lost loved ones,” he added.