Promenade area eyed along Roxas Boulevard

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign and local tourists will soon be able to appreciate the sunset at Manila Bay, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plan to turn a segment of Roxas Boulevard into a promenade area or boardwalk.

DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) Director Reynaldo Tagudando yesterday said they have began the first phase of their redevelopment plan for Roxas Boulevard, which involves the stretch from P. Burgos to P. Ocampo Streets.

The idea behind the project is to turn the portion of Roxas Boulevard that faces Manila Bay into a tourist attraction, said Tagudando.

“This will be a Manila Bay walkable area where those passing through would be able to see the beautiful sunset,” he said.

The DOT has set aside P237 million to cover the expenses for the first phase. The agency hired architect Paolo Alcazaren as project consultant.

“We fixed the center island, service road, the installation of speed tables. We have also fixed the parking area according to the plans of architect Alcazaren... The service road would be turned into a parking area,” said Tagudando.

The DPWH, with clearance and permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), would also be relocating some trees in the area.

In one signage, the DPWH said they would earth-ball 515 trees while 66 trees would have to be cut.

The DENR would be deciding where the trees would be relocated.

The agencies involved are also coordinating with the Manila city government as to how they would deal with street vendors and vagrants who stay and sleep along Roxas Boulevard, particularly on the side of the bay walk.