ILOILO City – Iloilo City is looking at vexpanding its public spaces in implementing the PHP16.5- million Development of Park in the City Civic Center project.
The project is funded under the “Green, Green, Green” program, a component of the massive Build, Build, Build infrastructure program of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Architect Dolly Zoluaga, Iloilo City assistant department head and zoning officer, confirmed Monday that the fund has been downloaded to the city government by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“It was allocated to all cities to improve parks and spaces,” she said.
“The intention of the project is to have a safe corridor for our pedestrians connecting Sunburst Park and Plaza Libertad,” Zoluaga said.
The concept was made way back in 2014. It was adjudged first place in the Most Liveable Cities Design Challenge in 2014.
“It was only a concept so it has to go into details. But before the details, we have to consult all those who are involved,” she said, adding that key stakeholders gathered last week for the consultation.
The green walkway will be from the Sunburst Park (site of the old Freedom Grandstand) to the Plaza Libertad; Ortiz Street from the new Elizalde building to Nicholas Loney monument at the Muelle Loney and going back to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“This will add to our green open spaces in the city because as of the moment our open space at the City Proper (district) is only at Plaza Libertad,” she said.
She added that the city has been increasing its open public spaces. So far, among its prominent open space is the Iloilo River Esplanade.
The more than P16-million project is expected to be completed either first or second semester of 2019.
The “Green, Green, Green” program is a unique assistance program that aims to make the 145 cities of the Philippines livable and sustainable by developing public open spaces, according to the DBM website. (PNA)
