To create an urban green space within Parañaque City, the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NFP) organized and undertook a tree planting activity on Friday on the occasion of National Women’s Month.
NPF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe stressed is her message that creating more green spaces in urban centers should be part of the new normal.
“As you all know, the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered important conversations about the importance of urban green spaces and how those should be designed to benefit the health and well-being of the populace,” she said.
Last year, NPF opened its doors to host the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) quarantine facility and a mega vaccination facility to support the national government’s Covid-19 pandemic response.
“While we are more than happy to contribute to the pandemic response, it is our dream to transform this 9.5-hectare property into a Cultural Park and Creative Hub nestled within an urban forest, incorporating the 30% built space and 70% green space design scheme,” she added.
Duran-Batocabe said that under their “Sambayanihan Project,” a series of initiatives for the physical development of the Nayong Pilipino will be undertaken throughout the year, including a series of planting activities that aims to plant trees in the area.
During the activity, seedlings of flowering trees like Palawan Cherry and Bolong Eta were planted to honor women.
“Trees provide a foundation for life to flourish. They’re life-giver and sustainers. In the same way, we, women, provide a foundation for our families and communities with our innate ability to nurture and protect,” said Duran-Batocabe.
With these efforts, she shared that in no time, with each and everyone’s hard work, Nayong Pilipino will be open to the public again.