Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the groundbreaking of the Phase 3 of the development being undertaken at the Paraiso ng Batang Maynila (PBM) fronting the also newly-rehabilitated Manila Zoo.
Lacuna said the 2,047-square-meter PBM is now being transformed into a mega-leisure park, as part of efforts to develop open, green spaces for the public to enjoy, amid the ongoing pandemic.
The lady mayor was joined by Vice Mayor Yul Servo, city engineer Armand Andres, city architect Pepito Balmoris, city electrician Randy Sadac, parks and recreation bureau director Pio Morabe and barangay chairmen led by Engr. Mark Delfin and Jaime Adriano, among others.
The said phase is comprised of playground areas and jogging path as well as a huge basketball court with garden and gazebos.
Lacuna thanked Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Carlo Dimayuga III, whose office covered the expenses for the redevelopment of the said area and assured him that the city government will make every penny count.
According to Andres, once finished, the said park will feature, among others, a 200- meter jogging path, 15 lamp posts, 28 bollards, ten benches, 67 spotlights and a new, massive landscaping. A fountain that is lighted in the evening had also been built in the area fronting the park.
Lacuna said that as a doctor, she considers physical and mental health as among her administration’s priorities and that the new PBM will serve as the center of the community covering the highly-populous Leveriza area and whose residents will soon enjoy a beautiful and relaxing promenade.
The lady mayor said that the new PBM will complement the newly-rehabilitated Manila Zoo that will open to the public on November 15 and appealed to the residents to make good use of the park where they can stroll, exercise and bond in a completely open space with reduced risk of getting infected with COVID.
At the same time, Lacuna appealed to the residents to keep the park clean and its features free from any form of vandalism, saying the project is for their own benefit.
