In a scorching heat of Metro Manila hot weather, I decided to revisit one of the places in the heart of Manila last June 6 - the Arroceros Forest Park. Located beside the LRT-1 Central Terminal and it is just a walk from the Manila Central Post Office, Manila City Hall, and SM Manila, the 2.51-hectare forest park is also one of the few green spaces in the metro filled with concrete buildings and hustling city ambiance. It was once under the threat of demolition in 2003, until Mayor Isko Moreno declared the place as a permanent forest park in March 2020.
 |
The Arroceros Urban Forest Park signage.
|
 |
| Enjoy the nature walk in the green space of Manila. |
He signed the Manila City Ordinance No. 8607 declaring the Arroceros Forest Park as a "permanent forest park" from being a "property" on February 27, 2020. It included the following aspects such as assigning a committee and peace that protects Arroceros, prohibition of cutting trees, dumping waste and any form of excavation. Violators will pay P2,500 fine for the first offense, P 3,500 for the second offense, and P 5,000 fine or one year imprisonment for the third offense. Moreno kept an eye on expanding the forest park, in contrast of building a gymnasium in the area.
 |
| The welcome gate of Arroceros Forest Park with concrete pathways. |
Known as "The Last Lung of Manila", Arroceros is the home of approximately indigenous tree varieties and 8000 ornamental plants, which made a haven for exotic bird species. During my first visit in 2018, it is underdeveloped where there are plenty of trees and there is an unpaved narrow path as you walk along in the park.
 |
The directory may of Arroceros Urban Forest Park.
|
 |
A koi pond.
|
 |
| Water fountain in the midst of forest park. |
 |
| An elevated pathwalk. |
During the pandemic, Moreno had the initiative for the redevelopment of the park and today, Arroceros is one of the places that you should include in your bucket list. The improved urban park had amenities such as adult's and children's play areas, kiosks, and public toilets. There is also an elevated path walk, a special lighting system, fishpond, and water fountains.
 |
| A lighting system in the riverside walk at the urban park. |
 |
| A riverside walk in the forest park. |
 |
| A closer look of Quezon Bridge from the Arroceros. |
You can still enjoy the view of Pasig River, as well with a refreshing walk in the urban park filled with trees and plants. It is truly a nature trip in the busy, populated city.
The redevelopment of Arroceros Urban Forest Park also proved that Filipinos have the initiative to fight for climate change, as well with the preservation of green spaces in the urbanized, concrete cities. Furthermore, it proves that the "Last Lung of Manila" was saved and preserved by the residents in order to protect the city and maintain its natural beauty.
You can also check the 2018 post on Arroceros Forest Park.
Date of Travel: June 06, 2022
