The City Environment Parks and Management Office is working with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) for the plan to install art installations at the Irisan Eco-Park as part of the ongoing development and beautification of the city’s former garbage dumpsite.
During the management committee meeting on Aug. 24, Cepmo Head Rhenan Diwas said his office, together with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), will meet with the YMCA group that earlier adopted the park to make sure the latter’s proposed installations are in line with the city’s plans and become a “unified arrangement” for the area.
He said initial discussions on the proposal’s concept and schematic design have already been made with details still to be finalized and later shown to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and other officials for approval.
Diwas was also told to encourage more private establishments and organizations to adopt mini-parks including center islands in the main thoroughfares as part of the city’s “Adopt-a-Park” program where the adoptor will enter into a memorandum of agreement with the city government for the development and maintenance of the chosen area in coordination with Cepmo and CPDO.
Diwas said several center islands were already adopted by private establishments and several others have shown interest to do the same.
The city plans to invite Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo Puyat to visit the Eco-Park on Sept. 2, when she graces the 112th Baguio Day celebration.
When Puyat visited the area earlier, it has not yet undergone major improvements and rehabilitation.
Magalong said he will also ask the Tourism chief to help the city request King Louis Farms, a nationwide supplier of potted plants and cutflowers whose farms are located in Baguio and Benguet, to support the development and beautification of the area.
The Irisan Eco-Park development project is in line with the Magalong’s 16-point agenda towards good governance that includes revitalizing the environment. – Gaby B. Keith
April 18, 2024
