La Mesa Ecopark reopens, highlights biodiversity

MANILA, Philippines — After more than four months, the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City – dubbed as Metro Manila’s last green frontier – finally reopened to the public yesterday.

“QCitizens, the La Mesa Ecopark has finally reopened!” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said during the park’s reopening ceremony.

“You can see around 220 species of animals and plants in the park. Watch out for other activities and facilities for paintball, wall climbing, rappelling, archery, bird watching, camping and team building,” Belmonte added.

During the park’s reopening, the mayor led the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement for the stewardship of the ecopark with Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) chairman Elpidio Vega, Manila Water Company president and chief executive officer J.V. Emmanuel de Dios and Manila Water Company chief regulatory officer Donato Almeda, who also chairs the Manila Water Foundation.

Also present were Quezon City District 5 Rep. PM Vargas, Manila Water Foundation executive director Reginald Andal and MWSS administrator Leonor Cleofas.

The ecopark, located at Greater Lagro in Quezon City, temporarily closed in February after Bantay Kalikasan with the ABS-CBN Foundation, which managed the park for 25 years, turned over its stewardship to the MWSS.

La Mesa Ecopark last underwent renovation in 1999 when the ABS-CBN Foundation was in charge. The late environmentalist Gina Lopez was among the significant figures who led the park’s renovation.

“Manila Water, through the Manila Water Foundation, implemented the rehabilitation of the Ecopark, so it will be jointly managed by the MWSS, Quezon City and Manila Water through the Manila Water Foundation,” MWSS water and sewerage management department manager Patrick Dizon said.

The ecopark also has support from the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation.

“The La Mesa Ecopark is transformed into a destination that offers experiential eco-learning while appreciating rich biodiverCity: biodiversity in the city,” the Manila Water Foundation said.

“Each visit re-awakens environmental consciousness on watershed protection that leads to climate action. Visitors immerse in a space where flora, fauna and