The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), recently held the launching of the Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program, along with the inauguration and groundbreaking of segments for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade.
Notably, both programs are aimed towards enhancing public open spaces. They go in line with the commitment of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who seeks to enhance public open spaces as well as develop “green” infrastructure.
Green Green Green 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,” declared MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, as cited in a Facebook post by the MMDA.
Other than enhancing public open spaces, the Green Green Green Program seeks to assist local government units (LGUs) in creating more livable and sustainable communities through the use of “green” infrastructure.
Initially launched in 2017 by the DBM, the program used to be called “Local Government Fund – Assistance to Cities.” These days, the program has been revived and goes in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 – 2028 of the current administration.
“With the launch of the Green Green Program and today’s inauguration of Roxas Blvd. Promenade Project, we are able to take a huge step towards fulfilling the President’s goal of a Bagong Pilipinas, where every Filipino is committed to the improvement of life in the community, involved in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy ecology, and devoted in providing secure environments that will benefit future generations,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated.
Meanwhile, in her keynote speech, Senator Loren Legarda said that the Green Green Green Program — which prioritizes the improvement of public spaces — shall transform communities.
“The Green Green Green Program underscores that economic progress should not come at the expense of environmental degradation,” she explained. “We thrive for a balance approach for development, meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.”
Roxas Boulevard Promenade Project
As mentioned earlier, the MMDA continues to achieve project milestones for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, which happens to be part of the “Adopt-a-Park” initiative for Pasay City.
The park is divided into four sections. The first two segments — the light park and field offices — are now open to the public. The light park features eye-catching attractions: bamboo pole lighting, dandelion lights, gravity lighting, tunnel lights, and many more.
The other two segments — Active Park Zone/Linear Park and Parking/Play Area — will be constructed after the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the MMDA and the Federal Land, Inc. These areas will feature various facilities for children (play areas), adults (jogging, bike oval), and pets (pet park).
“The Roxas Boulevard Promenade represents a significant step towards enhancing urban livability by transforming a once neglected area into a vibrant community space,” Artes said. “This project not only showcases the potential of collaborative efforts between government and private entities but also highlights the importance of creating dynamic and inclusive public spaces in the heart of Metropolitan Manila.”
In addition to the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, the MMDA is developing 27 other parks in various locations across Metro Manila.
Final Thoughts
The Green Green Green Program and Roxas Boulevard Promenade are truly exciting, indeed! After all, it’s important for urban areas to have “green spaces” where people can simply relax after work, go jogging/cycling on weekends, and spend time with their families.
Speaking of families, many mothers in Marikina are now advocates of road safety. Check out this article about the “M-A-R-S” Campaign, which was recently held by the LTO in that city!