Manila Water, MWSS, QC ink partnership as La Mesa Ecopark reopens

From left to right (seated): Manila Water Chief Regulatory Office Donato Almeda, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, MWSS Chairman of the Board Elpidio Vega, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios.

Manila Water Company, in partnership with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Quezon City (QC) government, formally opened the first phase of La Mesa Ecopark on June 29.

The La Mesa Ecopark will now be under the management and stewardship of Manila Water led by Manila Water Foundation.

A highlight of the reopening ceremony is the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among the major institutional partners for the rehabilitation, operations, maintenance, and administration of the La Mesa Ecopark, and the unveiling of the Phase 2 and Phase 3 development plans.

The improvement of the La Mesa Ecopark is set to be completed in 2025.

Among the institutional partners present in the ceremony were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Quezon City 5th District Representative Patrick Michael Vargas, MWSS Chairman of the Board Atty. Elpidio Vega, MWSS Corporate Office Administrator Leonor Cleofas, and MWSS Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Ty.

Major partner Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. was represented by its President Donato C. Almeda who is also Manila Water’s Chief Regulatory Officer.

Manila Water Foundation and Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios, and Manila Water Foundation Executive Director Reginald Andal led the short but meaningful reopening event.

Through the agreement, the partners commit to safeguarding and enhancing La Mesa Ecopark’s ecological value and promoting a culture of environmental awareness and responsible water use.

In her message, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said: “This partnership is a testament to the power of multi-stakeholder cooperation in our shared mission for a greener future. This agreement is more than just a formal document, it is a heartfelt promise, a promise to rejuvenate La Mesa Ecopark, the last green frontier in Metro Manila, to rekindle its ecological vitality and to transform it into a beacon of environmental education and responsible action.”

“The La Mesa Ecopark also exemplifies a social investment for both the current and future generations. More importantly, we hope that the park serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and sustain our natural environment and resources,” shared Mr. Donato Almeda, who acknowledged the support of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or PAGCOR to the La Mesa Ecopark.

As the La Mesa Ecopark reopens, Manila Water and its major institutional partners sign a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the La Mesa Development Plan.

The MOA also outlines a comprehensive La Mesa Development Plan, which includes the restoration of La Mesa Ecopark’s existing structures, the improvement of amenities for public enjoyment, and the introduction of innovative features such as the use of solar panels and a dedicated biodiversity center.

The Phase 1 rehabilitation of the La Mesa Ecopark is made possible through the generous sponsorship of its institutional partner Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc., the social development arm of Solaire Resort & Casino, and in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Renowned architect and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren leads the master development plan that respects the resident wildlife at the La Mesa Ecopark.

The Phase 1 rehabilitation features spaces for environmental learning and leisure activities including picnic spots and team-building areas. Families and groups can relax and spend time at the viewing deck pavilion and the food park. Eco-tours can be arranged to include an experience at the La Mesa Ecopark Museum, which will open soon.

La Mesa Ecopark team activities include wall climbing, rappelling, paintball games, and archery tag which may be incorporated as a team-building activity.

For Phases 2 and 3, exciting new amenities for groups and families await visitors of the La Mesa Ecopark. An environmental canopy or boardwalk, a beautifully landscaped flower hill and amphitheater, a revamped lagoon perfect for fishing will be great for creating memories with loved ones and friends.

Future amenities for relaxation include a butterfly garden, a children’s playground, eco-lodging for overnight stays, and spaces for outdoor cooking. Adventure seekers can enjoy biking and hiking trails, and a campsite to be rehabilitated by the Quezon City Government.

La Mesa Ecopark is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays to Sundays and is closed every Monday for regular maintenance work.

All park-goers are required to book a visit at www.manilawaterfoundation.org before going to the La Mesa Ecopark. The management will only accommodate 1,000 reserved slots per day. Management does not accept walk-ins. There will be no entrance fees for Quezon City residents or QCitizens who can present their QCitizen card or any government ID with a Quezon City address. Non-QC residents can enjoy the park with a minimal entrance fee of P20.00.

In his stewardship message, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios said: “Today’s event marks a small but very meaningful step towards ensuring that sustainable water supply, a sustainable environment is possible. The approach here is to make it a scientific consciousness, but larger than that, to create a nature-nurturing consciousness amongst all the people that we work with: our stakeholders, our communities and engage them as partners.”