QC Memorial Circle to get grand facelift

The Quezon City Council has approved a resolution for the grand facelifting of the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC), upgrading the national park into a world-class landmark.

Councilor Winston Castelo said the resolution was in response to the program of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to turn the park into a major tourist destination.

"The mayor is very keen on pursuing the project. He already has a grand design for the upgrading of the Memorial Circle," Castelo said.

It was learned from the councilor that the same contractor and architect who upgraded Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City into an attractive and highly commercial area would be tapped for the project.

With the approval of the resolution, Castelo said, Quezon City further strengthened its bid to retain its status as one of the most admired and visited city in the country.

He said the facelifting of the national park is expected to enhance the locality’s tourism potential and boost the local government’s revenue-generating capacity.

"The bottom line here is that with more revenues, the local government can better serve the needs and interests of its constituents," he said.

At present, the national park is being run by the Quezon City Memorial Circle Foundation headed by civic leader and former Quezon City Vice Mayor Charito Planas.

The foundation maintains the park with funds coming from donations and rental fees.

Castelo said the grand facelifting would provide an "active area" similar to Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City and a "passive area," where the remains of the late former president Manuel L. Quezon can be found.