SAVING THE LAST LUNG

People probably do not realize this but there are only four areas in the City of Manila that have the presence of trees: Rizal Park, Manila Zoo, Malacanan Park, and Arroceros Forest Park. So when it was announced that a gymnasium was going to be built within the Arroceros Forest Park, naturally netizens rose up in arms. It would mean a sizeable portion of the park would have to be cleared of trees. It would also ruin an ideal forest-like sanctuary for those who want to bask in the glory of nature at absolutely no cost. 

Mrs. Paterno (center)  welcomed by Mitoy Orosa and Mye Atienza

Dakila'ng Pamana ng Lahi (PAMANLAHI) and the ADVOCATES FOR HERITAGE PRESERVATION reached out to the GREEN FOUNDATION's Madam NINIT ROCES PATERNO to express support in blocking the said move by the powers that be in Manila City Hall in the wanton destruction of trees within the park. On hand to welcome Mrs. Paterno were Lino Atienza, Mye Atienza, Tito Encarnacion,  Mitoy Orosa, Febe Sevilla, Lito Ligon, Johnson Bernardo and myself. Other members of the AHP joined in to show support as well: Mabelle Tenorio, Leah Amante Villapando, Maricar Anatalio, Aurora Rosacia Pagayon, Tara Anne Camille, Ace Burwell, Raffi Chavez,  Claro Villoria, Cristine Valeriano, et.al.

Now, before pro-city hall advocates react negatively, consider these facts:

• The area was formerly a part of the PARIAN (the old Chinese settlement) during the Spanish Colonial period before it was transferred to Binondo in 1593.
• It was the site of the Fabrica de Arroceros, a tobacco factory owned and operated by the General Compana de Tabacos de Filipinas.
• During the American Period, it was a military garrison which housed the Signal Corps at the Cuartel de Infanteria and the Surgeon General's office at the Estado Mayor.
• When the Philippines gained independence after WWII, the barracks were used as the Department of Education prior to its transfer to Quezon City.
• In 1993, the park was established through the initiative of the Winner Foundation under then First Lady Mrs. Amelita Ramos.
• The park was closed in 2003 by then Mayor Lito Atienza in order to build a teacher's dormitory and a school administration building.
• Of the 8,000 trees, critics of the embattled mayor claim that only 2,000 trees remained after the construction of said buildings.

Seeing as how the area remains a significant patch of land in the City of Manila, naturally concerned citizens would take up the cudgels in saving the park from what is claimed would be a mark of yet another sign of progress - a school gymnasium... que horror!

Prof. Edru Abraham with the Kontra-Gapi gamelan

Now, why should we save the Arroceros Forest Park? Quite simply, the park is Manila's LAST LUNG!

• The park is the only nature park in the city.
• The area covers 2.2 hectares planted to trees and ornamental plant species provided by Bulacan Gardens during its humble beginnings.
• There are currently 61 different varieties of trees planted in the area.
• There are 8,000 ornamental plants that provide habitat for 10 species of  birds.
• Migratory birds come and rest in the forest park.
• Birders have claimed at least 18 species of birds have been seen in the park, e.g.:  long-tailed shrike, pied fantail, zebra dove, Pacific swallow, yellow-vented bulbul and brown shrike.^[4]
• Among the varieties of trees in the park are: acacia mangium, acacia auriculiformis, African tulip tree, agoho, anahaw, banyan, bunga de china, dapdap, eucalyptus, ficus benjamina, fire tree, Indian tree, kamagong, mahogany, MacArthur palm, molave, narra, neem, rain tree, rattan, rubber tree, talisay, teak, tiesa and yucca.
• the ff fruit trees in the park are:  aratilis, avocado, banana, caimito, coconut, guava, macopa, mango, santol,
• ornamental plants like calachuchi, gardenia, golden shower, palomaria and ylang-ylang.

Prof. De Lara in an impromptu number

As a sign of protest (for lack of a better term) PAMANLAHI along with members of  the AHP (Advocates for Heritage Preservation) held a Harana kay Ina'ng Kalikasan (Serenade to Mother Nature) coinciding with a national holiday to commemorate the heroism of Ninoy Aquino. The rain clouds gave way to glorious weather on the 21st of August, 2017! 

Lino Atienza  with a lush backdrop

At around 9:00 a.m., people started arriving some carrying signed petitions in support of the retention of the trees in the park and calling for the abolition of plans to build a gymnasium in the area. Present at the harana were the Kontra- Gapi from the University of the Philippines headed by esteemed musician/artist/performer Edru Abraham.  singers from the multi-awarded choir of the DLS-College of St. Benilde, and Prof Michael de Lara. Kontra-Gapi is a gamelan (Indonesian term for orchestra) known worldwide for its music utilizing local and asian instruments. Their claim to legend status is the music for the opening credits of popular TV series Game of Thrones. The talented singers of St. Benilde rendered a few Kundimans (local love songs) and OPM (original Pilipino Music) songs. Prof. de Lara obliged with an impromptu number on his guitar. the guest of honor was Mrs. Paterno who was grateful for our support. She was mildly surprised that her uphill struggle against the erring mayor was not singularly her own.

Arroceros forest  park canopy

By mid-day, all of us were singing and dancing to drumbeats and percussion and taking videos and selfies of the indignation rally for cutting the trees. It is a hell of a way of protesting albeit fun... After the event which lasted till one p.m., we stayed and went around to admire the park designed by Wilfrido Dizon and the Bulacan Garden Corporation, promising to return and raise our songs to a higher pitch until our songs to nature are heard by city hall. Now, tell me, why would anyone want to cut down those beautiful trees? Hello!!!