Belmonte, Frasco discuss QMC redevelopment plan

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte met with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday to discuss the local government’s plan to redevelop the 27-hectare Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC).

According to the city government, the redevelopment plan seeks to add more green and open spaces in the area, as well as new facilities such as an open amphitheater, playground and other places for rest and recreation.

“This is also part of the goal to preserve green spaces and continue making the city the Green Lung of Metro Manila that is visited by many tourists,” it added in Filipino.

Last year, the local government bared plans to redevelop the QMC, with Belmonte describing it as “one of the major nodes of the city’s ‘Green Lung Network’ where families can enjoy green open spaces for outdoor activities.”

In an earlier statement, the city government said the project’s master redevelopment plan took into consideration the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 station within the park, as well as other recent developments.

The plan allocates approximately 70 percent of QMC to major green areas, including picnic and play grounds, themed gardens and areas for urban farming.

It also features a multi-purpose field for football, softball, baseball, frisbee and other activities.

Other planned features include a skate trail and park; basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; stepped lawns; and a cultural amphitheater for artists, entertainers and musicians.

The city government also plans to develop wider path walks, bike lanes, jogging paths and exercise areas, as well as botanical gardens to promote urban farming and gardening.

Frasco said she was “amazed and impressed” by the redevelopment plan, which she described as a “prime example of a local government-driven initiative that deserves national government support.”