The Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) on Wednesday opened to the public the New Doña Vicenta Park in Doña Vicenta Village, Barangay 9-A.
The P76-Million Doña Vicenta Park spans 1.2 hectares and is the 26th public park in the city. It features a 200-meter skywalk, an amphitheater, solar-powered lamp posts, a koi pond, a stage, and a library.
CENRO Head Engr. Marivic Reyes asked the public to take care of the park and its amenities. She said CENRO and other stakeholders are still coming up with park rules to determine activities that will be allowed or prohibited.
A total 30 CENRO personnel will be assigned for upkeep and maintenance of the park which Reyes said will probably follow the usual open hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. She added a 24-hour security will also be present
Vicetacion Bernardino Andal, a resident of Doña Vicenta Village, said she was grateful for the new open space where she and her grandchildren can take a stroll and do exercises. She said having been residing in the village for decades, her wish for a park in the community was finally granted.
“Nalipay ko kay naa na koy kasuroy-suroyan, pareha nako karon nga senior citizen ‘nya naa pa gyud koy gibati, ‘nya asa ko magsuroy-suroy. Pasalamat gyud ko nga naa ning Doña Vicenta Park (I’m happy there is now a place I can stroll around, for someone like me who is a senior citizen with an ailment, there aren’t many places for me to roam around. I am very thankful that we now have this Doña Vicenta Park,” Andal said.
Andal also thanked the local government for preserving the old Acacia trees in the area which provide shade.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his speech, said more green spaces are needed in Davao City as its population continues to grow and congest, causing stress build-up. He said the new park will provide a place to unwind and decompress and hopefully promote mental wellness among the population.
The mayor also thanked partners and stakeholders who shared the same vision of a greener Davao City.
Three more public parks are expected to open this year.
Wednesday’s opening was also attended by city councilors and officials, Barangay functionaries, Doña Vicenta Village Home Owners’ Association officials, and visiting public. CIO
