MMDA explains 'weirdest' mini-footbridge project

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday addressed the viral Facebook post questioning a small, brown footbridge inside a children's park in Malate, Manila.

One netizen slammed it as the "weirdest project in the world" that would shame the Philippines before the international community.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said that the so-called mini-footbridge is used to train kids on road safety.

"Ang ating purpose doon ay para sa murang edad mabigyan natin ng tamang edukasyon yang ating mga kabataan sa mga tamang traffic regulations," Tolentino said in an interview with ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

The park, aiming to familiarize children on road safety, also features small versions of pedestrian and bicycle lanes, go karts, waiting sheds, stop signs and a tunnel.

A children's park along Quirino Avenue in Malate, Manila entrusted to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Wikimapia

Tolentino said that the Facebook post, which earned nearly 9,000 shares, was misleading as comments assumed that the mini-footbridge was built along a regular road.

"Nagkamali po ang nag-post noon," he said.

The park was known as "Paraiso ng Batang Maynila" along Quirino Avenue before it was renovated to become part of the MMDA's instructional program.

Other netizens, meanwhile, also came to the MMDA"s defense, saying the mini-footbridge and the park is not a waste of money but a worthwhile project.