Part of my responsibilities as Ambassador of Goodwill to the Filipino community of Dubai (hahaha) is to give them a warm welcome when they come home for a visit. This time I accompanied a balikbayan to La Mesa Ecopark located within East Fairview Subdivision, Quezon City, which I haven’t been to myself.
Lush greens in the heart of the urban jungle are so refreshing. Parents, if your kids’ idea of plants are the ones they see on Plants Versus Zombies or Farmville, take them La Mesa Ecopark, quick.
A little backgrounder on the park, taken from their website:
“La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. La Mesa Watershed is 2,700 hectares, 700 hectares of which is the reservoir and 2000 hectares of which is the surrounding forest. This forest is the last remaining one of its size in Metro Manila and serves as its carbon dioxide sink. La Mesa Watershed, therefore, is vital to the city, not only because it is a primary source of drinking water, but also because its forest functions as the lungs of Metro Manila, providing it with clean air.
In 1999, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. created Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) and, in partnership with the MWSS, undertook the Save La Mesa Watershed Project. The project aimed to rehabilitate, reforest, preserve and protect La Mesa Watershed. The total area that needed reforestation was 1,500 hectares. Bantay Kalikasan’s strategy of actively involving the general public in the project, through its Adopt/Protect-ATree/ Hectare programs, was key to its success.
To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. In September 2004, it was renamed La Mesa Ecopark and reopened to the public. All revenues generated by La Mesa Ecopark are utilized for the continuous preservation and protection of La Mesa Watershed.”
There are so many outdoor activities to do.
They even have pavilions for special events (reserve in advance), and facilities for zip lining, wall climbing and rapelling. Notice the corporate sponsors? Must be part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. Nice.
And look at all those flowers!
La Mesa Ecopark is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is Php50 for non-QC residents and Php40 for QC residents, just present a valid ID with proof of residence. For more information, visit http://www.lamesaecopark.com.
eat. shoot. go. 