IN a bid to lessen urban decay and provide areas for family events and wellness activities, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday afternoon opened its ninth park under the Adopt-A-Park project which is located in Barangay Sta. Elena, Marikina City.

The MMDA has refurbished the Chinese Pagoda, which has a lot area of 2,100 square meters, and improved its architectural designs. The agency likewise installed softscapes, lighting fixtures, and stalls that will sell Chinese food.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes who graced the inauguration, said that the refurbishment of the Chinese Pagoda will give Marikeños a better spot to enjoy the view of the Riverbanks.

“This park could give the residents of Marikina a new outdoor space where they can spend time with themselves, or with their families,” Artes said.

“The re-opening of this park marks the beginning of many more projects and partnership between the MMDA and the Marikina local government unit. We are committed to giving continuous service for the betterment of your city and your residents,” he said.

For his part, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro thanked the MMDA for its initiatives to provide open spaces for his constituents. He also said that the park is a reminder of the city’s rich Chinese heritage.

“I am grateful to the MMDA for their efforts to convert under-utilized areas to functional green parks in our city, for the benefit of our fellow Marikina residents. With this project, we can now enjoy more areas to bond with our loved ones as we pay homage to our Chinese roots,” Teodoro said.

Marikina Representative Maan Teodoro, meanwhile, said that the Chinese Pagoda, which has long been part of the Marikina culture, provides people of the city green spaces significant for leisure activities and gathering.

“Our Chinese Pagoda has long been a strong symbol honoring the significant contributions of the Chinese community to the humble beginnings of Marikina. With the improvement done in the area, we ensure the safety of our visitors, symbolize Chinese heritage, serve as additional space for community gatherings, and provide opportunities to our small business owners.”

The improvement of the Chinese Pagoda, as well as improvement and site development of Rizal Park in A. Bonifacio, Brgy. Dela Peña, are both part of the 23 Adopt-A-Park projects of the MMDA across Metro Manila.

The project, which started last year, was the brainchild of former MMDA Chairman and now Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr.

Its aim is to develop under-utilized parks or rehabilitate existing open spaces in each local government in Metro Manila by improving their usability and transform it into functional green parks, especially in this time of pandemic.

Among those opened parks which are under the project are MMDA-Valenzuela Friendship Park, Buting Linear Park in Pasig, El Polvorin Linear Park in San Juan, Gatchalian Park in Las Piñas, Hulong Duhat Plaza in Malabon, Urban Green Space and Recreational Park in Muntinlupa City, City Park Phase 3 in Parañaque, and Navotas Greenzone Park-Phase 2.