Government restoring Manila parks - DOT

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said yesterday the government is in the process of rebuilding Manila’s old parks and other nearly forgotten tourist destinations in the city.

He said among the restored destinations is the Rizal Park Children’s Playground, which the Department of Tourism (DOT) restored through the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC).

Among the main attractions in the playground are statues of prehistoric dinosaurs, animals, a giant shoe house, a replica of Mayon Volcano, falls, slides, a swing, and different species of trees and plants.

Lim said for a minimum fee of P10, which will go to maintenance, both children and adults can enjoy a whole day at the playground, which is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The restoration of the playground is just a part of the first phase of the DOT and NPDC’s ongoing renovation and makeover of Rizal Park. The DOT is reviving the dancing fountain and bringing back cultural events.

“Manila needs better attractions. Improving and selling Rizal Park (Luneta), Intramuros and other parks will surely help. This goes the same for other destinations all over the country,” Lim said.

According to Lim, one of the key strategies of the DOT right now is developing new and enhancing existing products.

The government is working to transform the San Ignacio Church into a museum and planning special activities to add more life in Intramuros at night, he said.