Erap to open P32-M Vitas Skate Park

MANILA, Philippines - Manila will soon become the country’s skating capital as Mayor Joseph Estrada is set to inaugurate the P32.59-million Vitas Skate Park in Tondo.

The park, which sits on a 1,774-square meter lot in Tondo, is touted as the biggest public plaza in the Philippines.

Estrada will lead the soft opening of the park before the May 9 elections.

The mayor said he decided to build the park to keep away the youth from illegal drugs and other vices.

Estrada cited a report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that 92 percent of the barangays in Metro Manila are affected by illegal drugs.

He said he plans to put up more parks and sports centers in the city to make sure that the youth will have other things to focus on.

The park has a two-story building housing a dance studio and a theater.

The Vitas Skate Park is the second public plaza that is free to the public. It is funded and maintained by the Manila government, city engineer Henry Alcantara said.

Last December, Estrada inaugurated the Manila Skate Plaza in Paco.

It has a covered court and customary skating obstacles where skaters and other sports enthusiasts can practice their skills.

“I am prioritizing the construction and repair of sports centers and similar facilities for the youth to keep them away from illegal drugs,” Estrada said.

The skate park was borne out of Estrada’s campaign promise in 2013 when he signed an agreement with One Manila Organization and pledged to provide spaces that would cater to the needs and interests of the youth.