Erap wants Manila’s old splendor back

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to revive Manila as the country’s premier city, Mayor Joseph Estrada has intensified his P100-million park rehabilitation program that would develop and restore historical sites and landmarks in the area.

Estrada ordered Manila Parks and Development Office chief Arsenic Lacson to rehabilitate and improve these sites including the monuments.

He said a majority of Manila’s historical sites are deteriorating due to neglect by past administrations.

 “Let us work to bring back the old splendor of Manila by restoring these famous landmarks. We owe it to our ancestors and to the future generations to rebuild and restore these sites,” Estrada said.

Once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the city has 48 parks and monuments, which were part of the old Manila’s pre-war and colonial architecture.

A number of these have been converted into children’s playgrounds.

“From the moment I assumed office, I ordered a major sprucing up of our parks, monuments, other public places including playgrounds,” Estrada said.

Lacson said Estrada started the restoration efforts in 2013 by providing the needed funds.

He said among the parks repaired were Plaza Rueda and the Bonifacio Shrine on Taft Avenue, Plaza Hernandez in Tondo, Plaza De Virgen in Pandacan, Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, and Plaza Guerrero located across the US embassy.

“Before Mayor Estrada, all that were done were mere band-aid solutions, such as continuous cleanup, but no new infrastructure was constructed. The office didn’t have enough funds back then,” Lacson said.

He said former mayor Alfredo Lim neglected the landmarks, depriving city residents of promenade areas.

He said they have been seeking the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to address the needs of street dwellers who have made the parks and plazas their homes.

 “We have asked the Manila Police District to secure these sites,” Lacson said.