MMDA, DBM begin Plaza Azul redevelopment into green park

NEW PLAZA AZUL. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna presents the plan for the redevelopment of Plaza Azul as part of the “Green Green Green” program of the national government on Thursday (July 18, 2024). Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Artes said the redevelopment aims to convert the idle 8,000 square meters of land into a park that includes spaces for activities and green infrastructure. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Construction works have started for the redevelopment of Plaza Azul in Pandacan, Manila into an event and wellness park complete with green infrastructures as part of the “Green Green Green” program of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

During the groundbreaking ceremony in Plaza Azul on Thursday, MMDA acting chair Romando Artes said the redevelopment aims to convert the idle land into a park that Manila residents can enjoy.

With an area of 8,000 square meters, the Plaza Azul Redevelopment Park will have various facilities such as an al fresco space, a children’s playground, an activity lawn, a park pavilion, a basketball court, a multi-purpose court, an outdoor fitness equipment area, a jogging path, and a senior citizen pavilion.

The project was initially proposed by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna and was presented by the MMDA to become part of DBM’s Green Green Green program.

“The agency shall continue to enhance public open spaces and foster more green infrastructures in Metro Manila with funding from DBM and MMDA,” Artes said.

Once completed, the park will be turned over to the local government.

During the event, DBM Undersecretary Wilford Wong said the redevelopment is a pilot project under the Green Green Green program that seeks to enhance open spaces to make nearby communities more “livable, sustainable, and well-connected” through green infrastructure.

“The government is making every effort to transition to a green economy. This approach aligns with the principles of Bagong Pilipinas, striving for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the benefit of all Filipinos,” Wong said.

Last week, the MMDA and DBM launched the Green Green Green program through the groundbreaking of project segments for the Roxas Boulevard Promenade.

Initially called the Local Government Support Fund-Assistance to Cities, the program enhances public open spaces and aims to assist local government units in making their communities more livable, environment-friendly, and with better connections to transportation systems.