Vico Sotto eyes more green spaces as Pasig opens third linear park

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said the city would expand its parks, playgrounds and open spaces as the local government inaugurated the redeveloped Buting Linear Park, a P24.8-million project.

According to the mayor, Pasig lacked parks and playgrounds, stressing the importance of public spaces where residents, particularly children and the elderly, could safely gather and engage in recreational activities.

“We lack playgrounds and parks, and we are always grateful for projects like these where the children and the elderly can play and gather together safely,” Sotto said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

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“We cannot focus solely on buildings. Spaces like these are important for everyone’s health and are especially important for children’s development,” he added.

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According to Sotto, the city government also plans to expand its parks and open spaces, including areas along riverbanks. He cited land acquisitions by the local government in Bambang and San Joaquin.

The redeveloped park covers 3,170 square meters along a 485-meter stretch in Barangay Buting. It features a children’s playground, outdoor exercise equipment, a bike lane, walkways, a half basketball court, public restrooms, landscaping and lighting facilities.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) developed the park under its Green Green Green Program, with funding from the Department of Budget and Management’s Local Government Support Fund.

READ: MMDA uses recycled materials in Pasig sidewalk improvement plan

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MMDA chair Don Artes said the project was made possible through coordination between the national government and the Pasig City government.

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He added that the Buting Linear Park is the third linear park built in the city, following Bitukang Manok and Pineda linear parks.

Artes urged residents to help maintain the newly redeveloped park and pledged to add more plants and build a vertical garden or greenhouse for the community. /das