BY MINKA TIANGCO
The Manila City government opened Tuesday night a picturesque linear park along Baseco Baywalk in Tondo.
The new attraction features a freshly painted brick pathway and newly repaired street lamps that were previously installed along España Boulevard.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said they aimed to give residents of Baseco Compound a nearby place to stroll and do other leisure activities.
“Ang problema ng Baseco, walang espasyo para sa mga bata. Kailangan niyo pang lumabas ng lugar na ito para makapasyal kayo,” he said in his speech during the inauguration.
“Ito po ang payak at simpleng alay namin sa inyo.
Domagoso said he is aiming to improve the image of the said area that has a reputation of being crime-infested and a home to poor communities.
“Ayokong mamaliitin tayo dahil lang tayo’y mahirap, dahil may dignidad sa pagiging mahirap, dahil tayo ay tao rin,” he said.
“Pipilitin naming maipataas ang antas ng pamumuhay ditto,” he added.
The Manila mayor urged residents to keep the park clean, be disciplined individuals, and cooperate with the city government so they can improve the quality of their lives.
“‘Pag itinama natin sa kaisipan natin at nagpursigi tayo sa buhay, tapos ang pamamahala ay masinop, mainam, episyente, mayroon palang magandang bukas na nag-iintay sa atin,” Domagoso said.
“Tayo ang nagdadala ng karakter ng ating komunidad, nasa kamay natin.”
The local chief executive also told criminals to leave Baseco Compound, adding that a new police station in the area was recently established.
“Umalis kayo dito, uubusin ko kayo,” he warned. “May panahon pa ng pagbabago, magbago na kayo. Tumira kayo dito, maayos, mapayapa, hindi kayo nang-aapi ng kapwa mahirap, welcome kayo dito,” he said.
