Belmonte inaugurates Bernardo park pool

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led city officials in the inauguration of the newly-rehabilitated Bernardo Park swimming pool, with the mayor stressing the city government’s continuing effort to pursue the development and improvement of parks in each of the city’s 142 barangays.

The mayor exhorted residents within the Kamuning area, including Barangays Sacred Heart, Pinagkaisahan and UP Diliman to properly maximize said government property, which he hopes could serve as a good training ground in discovering potential athletes who could represent the city in future local and international competitions.

"Dapat lahat ng barangay dito sa Quezon City magkaroon ng mga park, maging ito man ay maliit o malaki, para wala na tayong makitang kabataan sa lansangan," Belmonte said.

The mayor noted that efforts have been undertaken by the city government to maximize every open space in the city and have these developed into people’s parks in a bid to beautify the city’s landscape.

To date, the city’s parks and development administration department under Engr. Zaldy dela Rosa, has rehabilitated about 20 parks, including the La Mesa eco-park in Barangay Lagro, the Norberto S. Amoranto park, the West Triangle park, the historic Pugad Lawin shrine, the Villa Nova park in Nagkaisang Nayon and the Central park in Barangay New Era.

Joining the mayor during the occasion were Rep. Nanette Castelo-Daza, Councilor Ariel Inton, secretary to the mayor Atty. Victoria Loanzon, city department heads and chiefs of offices and barangay officials.

Meanwhile, Belmonte has expressed support for the application of new techniques in developing the youth as competitive leaders of the community.

During the graduation ceremonies for the 125 high school students who graduated from a three-month leadership training program at the QC Regional Science High School, the mayor said it is imperative that the youth develop their sense of self-discipline, open-mindedness and initiative to succeed in whatever field of endeavor they will be choosing.

To date, over 400 student leaders from the city’s 42 public high schools have already graduated from the SB Centrex for Student Leadership program since its launching in January 2003.