The city government will forgo plans to put up a parking building on a city-owned lot adjacent to the PFVR gym and Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School at Military Cut-off in deference to public opinion opposing the project.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said this was decided after considering the general sentiment aired by the stakeholders and the general public during the public consultation conducted on April 17.
“We were there to consult with our constituents and listen to their opinions and as it turned out, there was a strong opposition to the project so we assured them that we will forgo the project and instead will look for other locations,” the mayor said.
During the consultation, the MLQES administration and parents and teachers association and concerned citizens led by former principal Ligaya Annawi articulated their objection to the plan, saying it will affect the welfare of the students as it will deprive them of an ample space for their outdoor activities.
They also said the project will have an impact on the ecology of the place and will rob building occupants and the community of an evacuation area for emergencies.
The city government’s plan was to build a multi-level parking structure with green architecture over the 260,000 square meter lot to address the parking problem of the city.
Ar. Ellaine Ganga of the City Buildings and Architecture Office said the building design includes a futsal sports area at the roof deck of the building to cater to students; a living wall or plants and greeneries to serve as carbon dioxide filter; a water harvesting facility and water recycling system to run the building; solar-powered facility; and smart system parking using applications to pre-book parking slots before entering the building and avoid waiting in long lines thereby lessening traffic congestion in the area.
Atty. Rhenan Diwas of the City Environment and Parks Management Office explained the environmental benefits of the project in terms of carbon emission sequestration by lessening the volume of vehicles going around the city roads looking for possible parking spaces.
However, most of the participants maintained their objections to the proposed project. – Aileen Refuerzo and Jessa Samidan
