Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna lead the inauguration of the newly-rehabilitated Plaza Moriones in Tondo. With them are (from left) City Engineer Armand Andres, City Electrician Randy Sadac and City Architect Pepito Balmoris. Photo by JERRY S. TAN
Ex-haven of drug, sex junkies now an IG spot
THE historic Plaza Moriones in Tondo, which during the past city administration was turned into a filthy dumping ground and a haven for ‘quickies,’ ’solvent boys ’and vagrants who also made it their private toilet, is now sporting a totally new look as another Ínstagrammable spot in Manila.
Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna inaugurated the new Moriones Plaza which can now serve as a perfect open-air promenade for the young and old, particularly Tondo residents.
The reopening of the newly-rehabilitated plaza is timely in that with the easing of restrictions on minors, health authorities suggest that they opt for parks and other open spaces when they go out, instead of the enclosed shopping malls.
In his speech, Moreno cited the efforts of those in charge of the plaza’s total makeover, particularly city engineer Armand Andres, city architect Pepito Balmoris and city electrician Randy Sadac, saying it is just the beginning of a series of similar projects aimed at giving the residents a safer option to while their time away.
The mayor said he wants the plaza to be worthy of its rich history and for everybody to benefit from it as a place where one can stroll, exercise or simply rest while feeling safe and comfortable.
Moreno appealed to barangay authorities and residents in the area to ensure that the plaza is well-maintained at all times, ‘lalo na ngayon na naghahanap tayo ng lugar na puntahan na may sariwang hangin.’
“Nakikisuyo kami, tapat n’yo, linisan nyo… tapat n’yo, alagaan n’yo Ang island ng Moriones ay hindi tambakan ng basura. Hindi pataniman ng manok. Hindi tambakan ng sidecar na bulok at hindi gapangan sa gabi. Hindi na ito ‘lollipop park’. Wag na tayo magkunwari, pare-pareho tayong lumaki dito,” Moreno said, in reference to the park serving as a venue for quick sex between gays and male prostitutes in the past.
Andres said that under the Moriones Plaza Linear and Center Island Redevelopment, a sustainable , walkable linear park for the community was made along the vicinity of Moriones Street. From Juan Luna to Mel Lopez Boulevard measuring 864.82 meters and from Sta. Maria Street to Juan Luna Street, 304.92 meters.
On orders of Moreno, Andres said that fountains similar to those seen in Venice, Italy were installed in the plaza which was also adorned with araal, endemic trees and plants.
About 5,000 capiz lights and 55 lamp posts were installed in the area, along with 44 wall lamps to ensure that it is well-lit during the night, Andres added.
