Farewell, Arroceros?

In May 2019, environmentalists heaved a sigh of relief after years of consistent threats of losing Manila’s last lung, the Arroceros Forest Park. We were assured by the new city authorities that the forest will be preserved to help in the air quality of the city.

The Save Arroceros Movement, of which Pamanlahi is an active partner, has been zealously crusading for the park’s preservation. Mayor Isko Moreno guaranteed not to touch the forest by signing Manila Ordinance No. 8607.

However, this July, we were stunned to see billboards installed around the forest announcing that it was due for “redevelopment.” This move was made without due notice to the Save Arroceros Movement. Immediately, the Winner Foundation, the forest’s main steward and a partner of the City of Manila, sought an audience with the mayor’s office. But it was for naught.

Today, it’s a shock to see that the forest has given way to a manicured theme park. In lieu of the felled trees, ornamental plants have been hurriedly planted to “landscape” what used to be a canopied forest, in time for the contractors’ deadline in the first week of December.

NORMA G. ATIENZA
Pamanlahi
[email protected]