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 communities interact in ecological harmony,” it added.

Admission to the park is free for Quezon City residents, while non-residents need to pay a minimal fee of P20. The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dizon said a separate fee will be charged for other facilities inside the Ecopark.
“Since the area is within the jurisdiction of Quezon City, we allotted a particular area, which we call a campsite. It (Quezon City government) will manage the campsite,” he said.

To manage the number of visitors, the park’s management said only 1,000 people will be accommodated daily. They will implement an online ticketing system and will not accept walk-ins.

To reserve a slot, visitors must go to www.manilawaterfoundation.org and click the La Mesa Ecopark bird icon to be redirected to a microsite. A confirmation will be sent via email after filling out the form.

Visitors must present the email confirmation and – if a Quezon City resident – QCitizen card or government ID at the park’s entrance on the confirmed schedule.

Earlier, the Manila Water Company said the rehabilitation of the La Mesa Ecopark will be done in phases to “transform it into a destination of choice that offers experiential learning on watershed protection and climate action.”

Phase 1 of the repairs prioritized areas for the public, including the Eco Academy Pavilion, the museum, team building activity centers, picnic areas, souvenir shop, viewing deck and swimming pool.

The second and third phases of the park’s rehabilitation are expected to be finished next year. — Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas, Romina Cabrera