IN THE KNOW: Metro Manila’s green areas

The only nature reserve is the 33-hectare La Mesa Eco Park, which is part of the 2,700-hectare La Mesa Watershed, Metro Manila’s main source of water.

Among the nature parks are:

• Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (80 hectares)
• Balara Filters Park (60 hectares)
• University of the Philippines Arboretum (16 hectares)
• Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden (5.5 hectares)
• Arroceros Forest Park (2.2 hectares)

Some urban parks include:

• Marikina River Park (220 hectares)
• Rizal Park (58 hectares)
• Paco Park (50 hectares)
• Quezon Memorial Park (25 hectares)
• Ayala Triangle Gardens (2 hectares)

Inquirer Research

Sources: manila.gov.ph, quezoncity.gov.ph, tourism.gov.ph, nhcp.gov.ph and Inquirer Archives