(Photo courtesy : Manila PIO fbpage)
Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday led the groundbreaking of a new Senior Citizens Park and community Pet Park in Nagtahan, Pandacan, framing the project as a tangible product of cooperation between the national government and the City of Manila.
Officially named the Senior Citizens’ Park and Pet Park (Plaza Azul), the development is a joint undertaking of the Manila city government, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Moreno said the site, located beneath the Skyway, had been left idle for nearly three years after the elevated road was completed, creating persistent problems for the surrounding community. He described the area as dark, dusty, and unsafe, especially at night, posing risks to motorists, workers, children, and senior citizens living nearby.
According to the mayor, his concerns intensified after personally inspecting the site shortly after returning to office. He said the poor lighting and heavy dust made the area particularly dangerous for vulnerable residents crossing the road or simply going about their daily routines, prompting the city to act before accidents could occur.
To address immediate safety issues, Moreno said the city sought help from the private sector to improve lighting under the Skyway. He credited businessman Ramon Ang for responding to the request, resulting in a P20.8-million contribution that funded the installation of lights along the stretch from the Manila boundary to the Pandacan area. The improved illumination, he said, significantly enhanced visibility and safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
Beyond lighting, Moreno said the project aims to tackle the long-standing lack of open and green spaces in Pandacan. The Senior Citizens Park, he explained, is envisioned as a safe and accessible area where older residents can exercise, stretch, and hold wellness activities in the mornings and afternoons, promoting both physical health and social interaction.
The development will also feature a dedicated Pet Park, a concept Moreno noted is more commonly found in affluent subdivisions or overseas. By introducing one in a dense urban community, he said the city hopes to provide pet owners with a shared public space where residents and animals can walk, relax, and interact responsibly.
Moreno also highlighted the role of the Local Government Support Fund, describing it as a crucial mechanism that allows the national government to assist local governments not only during emergencies but also in pursuing long-term development projects. He said the fund has become a vital source of support for cities like Manila.
He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a major expansion of the LGSF allocation for 2026, increasing it by nearly 400 percent. Moreno said the move reflects a policy shift toward empowering local governments, particularly in light of controversies surrounding flood control spending in previous years.
The mayor also cited inter-agency cooperation as a key factor in bringing the project to fruition, noting that the MMDA committed to matching the city’s funding after Manila returned an initial allocation. He said the trust between the city and the agency allowed the project to move forward without delay.
Once completed, Moreno said the Senior Citizens Park and Pet Park is expected to reduce dust, improve air quality, and transform the once-neglected space into a safer, greener area for families, senior citizens, and pet owners in Pandacan and nearby communities. He assured residents that the project would help put an end to the daily dust problem while giving the neighborhood a new public space centered on health, safety, and community life.
