MANILA, Phlippines – Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is eyeing the construction of several parks and green walkways to create a new “Manila civic center” that would allow pedestrians and bikers to move from Rizal Park to Escolta.

Moreno said the plan seeks to put the city in order and is in line with his promise to give the streets of the capital “back to the people.”

A look at the plan designed by Moreno’s chief planner architect Dennis Lacuna showed the proposed construction of at least 3 parks: “Freedom park,” “Bonifacio Shrine park,” and the “Arroceros Entrance Plaza.” It also incorporates plans to build a new green city hall.

Aside from this, the plan also seeks to create pedestrian and bike lanes throughout the area.

See the proposed plan below:

In a public Facebook post by urban planner Paulo Alcazaren, former president of Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, he said that Moreno’s “Manila civic center” plan incorporates the Arroceros Forest Park and seeks to conserve heritage structures in the district. (READ: Isko Moreno wants to develop ‘tourism circuit’ in Manila)

Moreno earlier said he would not allow construction that would destroy the Arroceros Forest Park, known as the so-called last lung of Manila. The new mayor said the park provides fresh air to Lawton, a major thoroughfare in Manila.

The “Manila civic center” aims to provide “universal access” to green open spaces and plazas while providing services in green civic buildings. 

Moreno earlier promised to clean up the capital city, which is now one of the poorest, dirtiest cities in the country due to years of neglect and corruption. – Rappler.com