Rationale
The City’s Park Rejuvenation Program is not only an improvement of the natural, cultural and tourism offerings of the City but a definitive move towards taking advantage of the generative role of public parks to integrate and influence improvements in the quality of life in physical, social, ecological, and economic terms for the community. The City elevated the recognition of these public parks to not just an isolated static element in its urban development but as a dynamic part of heritage that could spur growth along the different sustainability aspects and enhance the competitiveness of the City in the national and global arena.
While Covid-19 brought the entire nations to deep low economy, its silver lining lies with the opportunity to regenerate the environment. The City of Baguio took the chance to make improvements in parks and open spaces adopting a well-managed, comprehensive and coordinated approach to parks development that proved positive impacts on the social, environmental, and economic viability of the community.
Sustainable Development Goals, Ambisyon 2040 and Baguio’s 16-Point Agenda:
The City’s Park Rejuvenation Program is anchored on Goal Number 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals which is the attainment of Sustainable Cities and Communities. The City recognizes that it has breached its environmental carrying capacity due to the growth of its population and the influx of visitors hence, a roadmap was created to transform the planning and management of its urban spaces, specifically on the creation of green public spaces, resiliency of its people and economy, and the inclusion of all members of the community in planning and management.
Ambisyon 2040 sets the long-term development vision of the country towards a strongly rooted, comfortable and secure life and the 16-point agenda of the City’s current administration echoes such vision by defining the following goals in its Executive and Legislative Agenda:
Goal 2: Revitalizing the Environment;
Goal 8: Responsible Tourism;
Goal 9: Enlivened Culture, Arts, Crafts and Heritage;
Goal 11: Effective Disaster Management;
Goal 13: Strengthened Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Service; and
Goal 16: Happiness
Parks Rejuvenation Program Specifics
The roadmap for the City’s Park Rejuvenation Program started in FY 2019 and has already implemented medium-term and/or low-cost projects/programs but with undeniably significant impact to the lives of the community and all the more has become relevant as the world was hit by Covid-19 pandemic. The long-term projects are on-going and are targeted to be completed in FY 2022-2025.
Among the highly appreciated and impactful completed or on-going medium-term and/or low-cost projects/programs are the following:
Irisan Eco-Park: From a Dumpsite to a Destination
Since the mid-1980s, a portion of Irisan Barangay was utilized as a dumpsite. As years went by, mountains of garbage were piled up that endangered the lives of the people around the vicinity. The Irisan Dumpsite trash slide tragedy that occurred in 2011 at the height of typhoon Mina and claimed lives and properties, led to the closure of the dumpsite. However, the mountain of garbage remained which continued to threaten the health and safety of the nearby communities.
In 2019, the City Government of Baguio implemented the transformation of the decommissioned Irisan dumpsite into an Eco-Park. The mountain of garbage was transformed into lush greenery with some park furniture to enhance the place.
The Irisan Eco Park stands as a symbol of inspired leadership; a reinforcement of our hope and determination. What is once perceived as impossible is now a reality. It is the story of transformation that makes the Irisan Eco-park a tourism destination.
Dibshi Jen Dibsho: An Indigenous Park Bench Innovation
“DIBSHI JEN DIBSHO” is an ibaloi term that translates to “A FREE BOOK”.
DIBSHI JEN DIBSHO is a park bench innovation made from felled trees retrieved after typhoons. The park bench has a “little library” where one could take a book, share a book and read a book.
The essence of this park bench concept is to reveal the culture, traditions, values and norms of the community in parks development. The DIBSHI JEN DIBSHO is a culturally-inspired project/program that focuses on intrinsic value rather than superficial and aesthetic cultural patterns usually seen in physical projects to look like “culturally-inspired”.
“DIBSHI JEN DIBSHO” highlights the following:
- Sharing is ingrained in Cordillera culture. Beyond material things, elders usually share their knowledge and wisdom to the younger generations. This park bench with a “little library” is an avenue for everyone to share a book especially those that could inspire and motivate the reader to achieve a dream, or find peace of mind, relief or simply a memory to carry for a lifetime. More than the book, what is shared is the knowledge, wisdom and the insights. Who knows, the book that is shared by a stranger will make a difference in the life of another
To share a book of your choice in this little project is to leave a small piece of yourself behind in the hands of a completely unknown person, in the hopes that whoever they may be, they appreciate the little piece of yourself you’ve given. After all, a book – especially one that you’ve read in the past and appreciated enough to share with others – carries more than just the words printed on it. It carries the time and emotions invested into it, whatever they may be.
- Simplicity is an apt description of life among the Cordilleran. Life is literally simple. This park bench, made of indigenous material, may not be as grandiose and extravagant as others, but certainly, it speaks of our way of living. “In accessing resources and any material needs, the discipline is to get only what you need. Leave the rest for others or for future generations.” This little project teaches us to invest more on our spiritual being than our outward appearance. It reminds us to live simply but rich in wisdom.
- Respect for Nature comes along with this little project. Dibshi jen Dibsho is entirely recycled and/or indigenous materials with no funding from government coffer. One of its objective is to showcase a low-cost project but with high impact.
Thousands of books and counting are being shared by the community in support of this little project and more people are inspired to read books in parks. This park bench concept is worthy of emulation not only within the City of Baguio but throughout the country.
Rose Garden Re-bloomed: Let Thousands of Roses Blossom!
In the City of Baguio, flowers are not simply a tourism niche but are imbedded in the culture of the community. The blooming flowers of Baguio City and neighbouring municipalities had become symbol of resiliency and positivism from the devastation brought by the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Hence, the coining and yearly celebration of the famous “Panagbenga”.
At this time, the Covid 19 pandemic has brought us to another level of devastation. It dramatically wounded almost, if not all of the economies worldwide. Baguio City, known for tourism as its major economic propeller, certainly has suffered.
However, the flowers of Baguio once again burst its magnificence through the rejuvenation of Rose Garden. The rose garden stands proud as symbol of resiliency of the people of Baguio and a brand new opportunity for tourism that promotes sustainable practices, respect of natural environment, and embracing cultural identity.
The virtue of inclusivity is emphasized as the Rose Garden metamorphosed into a real community garden. The City of Baguio welcomed innovation of displaced young entrepreneurs who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Supporting start-up businesses by providing an avenue to grow and providing opportunities for all types of workers regardless of gender are the attribute of equitable and inclusive governance. Moreover, parks should reflect the diversity of profile and interests of people to make the parks richer in terms of perspective and experience of every park-goer.
Inclusivity is likewise achieved by uplifting informal vendors through innovation. The City Government of Baguio moved to integrate the traditional flower vendors to the over-all park system instead of placing them on the side line. Their talent in flower arrangements is recognized and given the opportunity to shine. While we regard the old ways, parks management should at all times be progressive to meet the expectations of the present generation and possibly foresee the future.
In 2017, Baguio City was hailed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Creative City under the Crafts and Folk Arts category. The Rose Garden is a home not only to the blossoming flowers but a venue of creative minds. Consistent with our mission of inclusive park system, programs such as “Art in the Park” of local artists are held in Rose Garden. In this way, artists are able to express themselves and are given opportunity to generate income from the use of city parks.
Likewise, the City of Baguio endeavoured to innovate park vending in order for the ambulant vendors to continue with their livelihood in the midst of pandemic but without prejudice to the health and safety of the public.
The City realized that ambulant vendors are the first point of contact in the supply chain for consumers, and in a time when public scrutiny for hygiene is bound to be high, it becomes crucial, to provide appropriate training to vendors on safety & hygiene and adopting innovation in vending standards, to increase general public confidence on ambulant vendors.
While the estimate of the losses incurred by most sectors is analysed in depth thanks to the availability of excessive data and information about the formal economies, the plight of informal sectors is tough to gauge due to lack of data. Hence, the City of Baguio worked on to (1) Integrate the vendors into the formal economy by identifying feasible business structure or type suitable for them; (2) conducted survey of vendors; and (3) provided space allocation and social benefits for vendors in this time of pandemic.
Wright Park Anew: Breathe Nature! Breathe Baguio!
After being hailed in 2017 as a UNESCO Creative City under the Crafts and Folk Arts category, Baguio City has now earned new recognition for its urban improvement projects. The “Summer Capital of the Philippines” clinched the ASEAN Clean Tourist City award in 2019 for its campaign to uplift the quality of life of its citizens through public space beautification, environment conservation, public safety, proper waste disposal, and maintaining sanitation.
Apart from cleanliness and sanitation, this public toilet provides an adequate level of privacy to perform the necessary sanitary functions. More importantly, this public toilet cater to the needs of people of different cultural needs and genders, all age groups and people with disabilities.
In 2020, Wright Park was closed to non- essential vehicles to give space for the community to breathe fresh air, exercise and enjoy the scenery. The pedestrian scheme also helped to reduce both noise and air pollution by discouraging or restricting access of non-essential vehicles inside the aprk. With more people walking and less vehicles on the streets, Baguio flowers and became more vibrant, as opposed to previous years when excessive air pollutants subjugated even the park. At present, community Zumba and Taebo groups are given safe space in Wright Park to conduct exercise daily in order to raise awareness and encourage the public to maintain active lifestyle despite the limitations imposed by the Covid 19 health crisis. It was proven to be effective and beneficial for the community.
The latest Mangan Taku at Wright Park featured a live talk show entitled the “Mangan Taku Food Conversations”. During the show, selected guests in the food industry talked about Cordillera local food and delicacies, experiences and importance of food in tourism destination branding.
The event was live streamed via Facebook wherein recorded videos and demos on the preparation of the heritage dishes of the Cordillera were featured along with the ambiance of Wright Park that gained so much appreciation from the viewers. The City aims to showcase Wright Park as a heritage site worthy of global recognition.
A Tribute to Modern Day Heroes
The City of Baguio recognizes the sacrifices and works of various sectors and individuals who are risking their lives in a fight against the dreaded disease. Apart from the provision of efficient governmental support in health care services (both physical structures and intangible healthcare projects) provided by the City to its constituents, parks are also embellished with art installations honouring the frontline workers in order to uplift their spirit and the whole citizenry to work as one, and to heal as one.
A notable improvement to honour the frontline workers is the Rizal Park rejuvenation. The park was upgraded through incorporation of more greenery and the installation of the “The Golden Blood” that symbolizes the unconditional sacrifice and efforts of the frontline community.
Along with the art installation is the revival of the barren fountain at Rizal Park that signifies infinite hope for the people of Baguio City.
Part 3: Positive Results and Impact
Accordingly, parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a given community. Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are.
The benefits of successful parks rejuvenation strategies far outweigh the costs. While urban parks development methods implemented without foresight or planning can create maintenance problems, a well-managed, comprehensive and coordinated approach to urban greening can have positive impacts on the social, environmental, and economic viability of a community.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Increased Recreational Opportunity
The quality of parks and open spaces in a neighbourhood affects residents’ rates of recreational physical activity, which can improve both mental and physical health. The presence of nature influences perception of and motivation for physical activity. This is evident with the increased physical activities being conducted in Burnham Park, Rose Garden and Wright Park.
Taichi Action Group Baguio at Rose Garden
Many studies connect urban park use to decreased stress levels and improved moods. In one study, the longer participants stayed in a park, the less stress they exhibited. More than 100 studies have shown that relaxation and stress reduction are significant benefits associated with spending time in green areas. Studies also show that childhood Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms can be reduced through activities in green settings and that “green time” may be an important supplement to established drug-based and behavioural treatments.
Increased Biking Activities at Wright Park
Likewise, increase physical activity and a reduction in obesity levels are the two benefits most commonly associated with a nearby park or green space. A quality park not only provides a location for the activity – it can also create motivation, especially if the quality of the site is perceived as good by users. People are naturally much more likely to use public parks if it is well connected with the rest of the city, if it is well maintained and if they feel good there. Physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, mental health, neurocognitive development, and general well-being and prevent obesity, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Enhanced Community Cohesion
Yoga by Depression and Anxiety Group at Rose Garden
A neighbourhood that have access to quality parks and open spaces also improve social cohesion and interaction. This has the potential to foster community interactions that help build social capital and maintain residents’ mental health by decreasing feelings of isolation and increasing self-esteem. Effective social support networks have been found to restore feelings of personal control and self-esteem by buffering the effects of stress and poor health which may result in depression. Urban green spaces can provide a neutral space within which people come together, social interactions occur, and relationships or partnerships take form. Strong community relationships facilitate collaboration among community members to achieve common goals (e.g., cleaner and safer public spaces), to exchange information, and to maintain informal social controls (e.g., discouraging crime or other undesirable behaviours).
source: City Planning And Development Office (CPDO)
