More 3G parks to rise in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY -- To promote an active lifestyle and overall wellness in the community, the Ilocos Norte government is set to establish more three-generational (3G) playgrounds and fitness parks in several schools of the province.

A 3G-park refers to a communal space where children, adults and the middle-aged, and seniors can come together and engage in active play or exercise. It is an environment that is envisioned to be both secure and ripe for recreation.

To date, at least five 3G parks were already set up beside the Provincial Capitol and at the municipal parks of Dingras, Badoc, Bacarra and Batac City.

Since its public opening in December 2016, hundreds of families gather in these sites, aside from a trip to the malls, to divert children’s time and attention from computers and other forms of technology at home.

Senior Board Member Matthew Joseph Manotoc said they are eyeing more or less 12 schools in the province to have its own 3-G park, to be funded by the provincial government through its special educational allotment.

The chosen schools, however, have yet to be identified by the Department of Education, said Manotoc.

“Once the list is finalized, we will be requesting school heads to open the park even to outsiders so they could also play even after classes or during weekends,” Manotoc said. (PNA)