QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to transform the Roxas Boulevard Promenade into a pet-friendly park complete with a pet park area composed of pet furniture, security fences, and ground cover.
This, after the MMDA together with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), held a groundbreaking and signing of Memorandum of Agreement 【MOA] for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, an offshoot of the Adopt-a-Park project in Pasay City.
Under the MOA, PRA as the owner of the site, has agreed with MMDA to utilize the area to help in promoting urban greening and park/green open spaces development in Metro Manila.
Located at the Libertad Pumping Station to EDSA cor. Roxas Boulevard, the Roxas Boulevard Promenade has a length of 800 linear meters and a width of 22 meters with an approximate development area of 17,495 square meters.
The park is composed of three areas: Futsal Area with mini Futsal field, artificial turf, benches, bleachers, and fences. It also has a Wellness Plaza with jogging path/bike lane, seating area, and solar lamp post.
MMDA Acting Chair Atty. Don Artes said like other Adopt-a-Park projects of the agency, the development of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade aims to promote an active lifestyle and contribute to the overall wellness of Metro Manila inhabitants through the rehabilitation and development of parks and open spaces within the metropolis.
“The Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project is not just about creating a park; it is about creating a space where families can bond, advocate fitness, a place of recreation and leisure, and a place to breathe,” Artes said.
“This project is the first of many projects that will represent a harmonious blend of urban development and green spaces, designed to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Metropolitan Manila,” Artes added.
For his part, Acting General Manager and CEO of PRA Ret. PBGen. Nolasco K. Bathan expressed gratefulness for the opportunity to be part of the MMDA’s project.
“PRA is one with the MMDA on this noble project,” he said during the ceremony.
The MMDA Chair said the agency is still in talks with PRA as he bared plans to extend the park to NAIA Road in Parañaque in a bid to develop one of the longest and biggest linear parks in NCR.
Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra commended the MMDA and the PRA for the project as he stressed the need for more open green spaces in the metro.
“I hope this may serve as inspiration to other government offices and private sectors within Metro Manila for future improvements of public spaces in the metropolis. We need this more than ever, now,” Guevarra said.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano also signified commitment and full support on the project.
“The Roxas Boulevard Promenade will surely become the backdrop of the setting of new core memories for our people, that will stay in each and everyone’s minds for the countless years to come,” the local chief executive said.
Alfred Ty, Chairman of Federal Land Inc., the MMDA’s private sector partner in developing the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, underscored the importance of open spaces which he said was greatly realized during the pandemic.
“The new Roxas Boulevard Promenade will not only transform the Roxas Boulevard but will also set a new standard for urban social spaces,” he said.
The Roxas Boulevard Promenade is one of the more than 30 parks being developed as part of the urban renewal project of the agency and is expected to open before Christmas this year.
The project aims to partner with Metro Manila local government units, concerned regional line agencies, private sector, and other stakeholders in the development and rehabilitation of parks and open spaces in the metropolis as well as to create public open spaces that encourage an active lifestyle and generally contribute to the overall wellness of the inhabitant of Metro Manila. (mmda/pia-ncr)
