As part of her visit to Cebu for a series of activities, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman led the unveiling of the completed Construction of Public Parks and Plazas Project and the groundbreaking of the Public Park Improvement Project Phase 2 in Lapu-Lapu City.

 

The completed project was funded under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – Financial Assistance to Local Government Units, while the fund for the project's Phase 2 will be sourced from the FY 2024 LGSF – Green Green Green Program, a program which was launched by the DBM last year.

 

"When Mayor Ahong Chan requested na baka puwede po magkaroon tayo ng park dito po sa Lapu-Lapu City... noong sinabi po natin ito sa ating mahal na Presidente, hindi po tayo nagdalawang salita—binigay po kaagad ng ating mahal na Presidente ang proyektong ito sa Lapu-Lapu City," Sec. Mina recalled.

 

"Dahil para po sa administrasyon ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ang isang park o liwasan ay hindi lamang basta proyekto, kundi isang sanktwaryo para sa lahat," Sec. Mina expressed.

 

"The construction and improvement of this park are truly significant steps towards making our communities more livable, sustainable, and interconnected through green infrastructure," she added.

 

"Making this event extra special is the presence of no less than the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management as our guest of honor. Sec., we are deeply honored to have you with us on this momentous occasion. This project, once completed, will become a health, wellness, fitness, and recreation hub for everyone of all ages," Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, for his part, said.

 

The park is designed to enhance urban resilience and sustainability while addressing the city's specific environmental challenges. It features various landscape elements, including fiber cement planters, native plant species, shaded seating areas, and play areas. The park also has planting areas integrated with hardscape materials, providing a mix of green and paved spaces. It can accommodate a maximum of 500 users at a time.

 

The park is likewise expected to boost the city's disaster preparedness as it will function as an emergency assembly area with open spaces that can accommodate temporary shelters. Public amenities will be considered for accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for all, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.

 

Lastly, cultural spaces will be incorporated into the park’s design to host various community events.

 

Also present during the ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremony were Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Representative Maria Cynthia Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Celedenio Sitoy, city councilors, officials from the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, and DBM Undersecretaries Wilford Will Wong and Goddes Hope Libiran.

 

 

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