PASAY CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday launched the Green Green Green Program towards more livable, sustainable, and interconnected communities.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said that the P1.005 billion funds for the program which is included in the FY 2024 National Budget include 80 local government units (LGUs) beneficiaries nationwide, wherein 38 cities and municipalities are in Luzon, 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao. In the National Capital Region (NCR), all 17 LGUs are beneficiaries of the program.
Sec. Amenah said the program is a significant step towards making our communities more livable, sustainable, and interconnected through green infrastructure.
“Hindi lang po natin mapapaganda ang kapaligiran at imprastraktura. Kung hindi, ay magagawa din nating ibsan ang masamang epekto ng climate change tulad ng malubhang init, polusyon, at pagbaha. Malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga komunidad, lalo na sa pagpapabuti ng kalusugan at kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” said Pangandaman.
(We don’t just improve the environment and infrastructure, but we will also be able to alleviate the adverse effects of climate change such as extreme heat, pollution, and flooding. It will greatly help our communities, especially in improving the health and quality of life of Filipinos.)
She explained that the funds for the program shall be used for the construction, rehabilitation, repair and improvement of green open spaces, such as public and municipal parks and plazas.
It shall also fund the construction of infrastructure projects for active mobility, such as bicycle lanes, elevated and upgraded pedestrian footpaths, walkways sports facilities, and recreational trails to provide a comfortable and livable environment for the Filipino people.
The DBM chief likewise assured that all projects to be funded under the 2024 Green Green Green Program shall strictly conform to acceptable design concepts, environmental principles, and safety requirements.
For this program, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will evaluate how LGUs will implement the LGSF-funded projects. While the DBM will provide the DILG with the list of projects funded by the LGSF-Green Green Green Program to assist in monitoring and evaluation.
Pangandaman likewise strongly encourages beneficiary LGUs to prioritize the use of domestically produced materials and goods in implementing their projects to support the local economy and industries.
During the launch, Pangandaman presented three important milestones: the launching of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – Green Green Green Program; the Inauguration of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project Areas 1 and 2; and the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project Areas 3 and 4.
Meanwhile, MMDA Chairperson Atty. Don Artes expressed full support to the program.
“The MMDA expresses its full support for the Green Green Green program, as it aligns perfectly with the authority’s mission to enhance the quality of urban living,” said Artes.
According to MMDA, the project is divided into four sections, each with unique features and activities, the Roxas Boulevard Promenade Park was envisioned as a model of inter-agency collaboration, involving the MMDA as the primary proponent and implementer, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) as the land owner, Pasay City as the partner LGU, and Federal Land Inc. as the private sector partner.
The first two segments of the park, which are the light park and field offices, are now open to the public. Area 1 or the field offices will house satellite offices of MMDA and PRA to ensure proper management, operations, and maintenance of the promenade.
Adjacent to the satellite offices is Area 2 or the Light Park which features various lighting attractions and installations such as pocket seating area, gravity lighting, tunnel lights, bamboo pole lighting, and dandelion lights, designed to create a lively and imaginative atmosphere, making it an engaging and enjoyable place for children and families.
The other half of the project site, which is the Area 3 (Active Park Zone/Linear Park) and Area 4 (Parking and Play Area) is set to be constructed after the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the MMDA and the Federal Land, Inc.
The two areas will center on the promotion of various physical activities for children, adults, and even pets. A pet park will be designed and installed in a wide, enclosed area for fur friends and their fur parents to enjoy the outdoors together. The Active Park will likewise feature a jogging and bike oval for health enthusiasts. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
