QC to develop dam area into resort

Some of the forested areas around La Mesa Dam will soon be turned into a resort, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesteday.

Belmonte signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to begin revival efforts on the forested areas of the dam, which have been badly neglected.

"This used to be a very beautiful place but was abandoned for many years. Now, we will get tougher and resuscitate this place for everybody to enjoy," Belmonte said.

Engineer Felino Palafox, who will draft the master plan for the project, said that the environmental design of the resort would be inspired by the movie The Lion King.

The resort would have the forested areas landscaped, and would contain a swimming pool, amphitheater, and an educational center fit for family and group recreation, he said.

Palafox also said that the design is aimed at providing a sense of nostalgia as well as a transition from the city to a 23-hectare "green environment" that will also include a recycling center to emphasize the importance of protecting nature.

Under the MOA, the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. led by its managing director Gina Lopez, will undertake the formulation and implementation of the La Mesa Resort Master Plan.

The foundation’s role will include marketing and advertising all fundraising activities for the establishment of the resort; preparing and enforcing an environmental management framework; education, nature interpretation, and visitor aspects; and ensuring the security of the resort.

The MWSS, meanwhile, will delineate the area for the project; maintain security of the resort through the construction of wall or fence of the watershed; and lead efforts to clear the right-of-way leading to the resort; and preventing the incursion of squatters in the area.

The city government, for its part, will assist in the formulation and implementation of the resort’s management framework plan; help the MWSS in clearing the right-of-way; and manage the day-to-day operations of the resort until December 2004.

"This is a landmark (project), which will boost my own dream of making Quezon City a quality city," Belmonte said. – Katherine Andraneda