‘Green’ body pushed for park preservation
An administration lawmaker has filed a bill at the House of Representatives aimed at ensuring that the government’s P2.5-billion “green, green, green” program will take root at the level of local government units.
House Bill 6047 authored by Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte calls for the creation of a Recreation and Relaxation Development Council (RRDC) that will oversee the establishment of green parks or public recreational places, including highly urbanized cities.
“The creation of this council fits Malacañang’s Green, Green, Green program to a tee. It will also institutionalize this program to sustain the development of more eco-friendly public spaces and ensure the regular maintenance of the existing green parks,” he said.
Villafuerte added this measure will help provide the organizational setup needed to ensure the seamless implementation of Malacañang’s Green program, which will not only complement but also ensure the development of ecofriendly parks all over the country.
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno announced earlier that the government has allotted P2.5 billion under the 2018 national budget for the greening program, which aims to transform cities into more livable and sustainable communities.
The Cabinet member also said that this is actually a “component” of the Duterte administration’s ambitious P8-trillion “build, build, build” massive infrastructure program that will continue to receive funding until 2022.
The national funding, according to Diokno, will help city governments create forest parks, arboretums, botanical gardens, bike lanes, walkways and other improvements to make urban areas more livable and relaxing.
“We welcome this initiative to make our cities greener, cleaner and healthier. The program, along with my proposal to create the RRDC, will empower our LGUs to transform their congested urban centers into more livable communities,” Villafuerte said.
In filing HB 6047, the Bicolano lawmaker said his proposal aims “to enhance the overall quality of life for the citizens of the city or municipality and not serve as mere value-adding property.”
“For a state that prioritizes the wellbeing of its people, it becomes imperative that it provide spaces that allow relaxation – spaces for social interaction and recreation,” Villafuerte wrote in his explanatory note.
“Recreation spaces such as parks fill the absence of green space and help improve air quality, especially for highly urbanized cities, ultimately helping reduce carbon emission levels,” he added.
These green parks will also serve as buffers for noise pollution and help improve climate and humidity levels while reducing the heat island effect in urban areas, which, in turn, will improve the overall health and wellbeing of people.
Under the bill, Villafuerte said the RRDC will also examine the needs of the people in areas where these green parks would be developed, through consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Villafuerte said that if a city or municipality already has an existing recreational space, the concerned LGU shall coordinate with the RRDC to ensure that the area complies with the requirements specified under the bill.
Recreational spaces specified under the bill shall comprise facilities that include green spaces, educational spaces, parks, gardens and horticulture areas, sports facilities, community halls, cultural facilities and playing fields.
The bill also mandates LGUs to prepare their respective Comprehensive Land Use Plans that shall be enacted through zoning ordinances and utilizing urban planning approaches that promote physical activity.
“We aim to produce recreational spaces that are not only attractive, but are accessible as well, especially for families and senior citizens,” Villafuerte said.