Manila declares Arroceros as permanent forest park

March 4, 2020

Manila City Mayor Francisco ''Isko Moreno'' Domagoso officially declared the city's "last lung" as a permanent forest park.

Domagoso on Monday inked the Ordinance No. 8607 which declares Arroceros Forest Park as a permanent park. the City Hall of Manila said Wednesday.

A P1 million budget will be allocated by the city government to maintain the park.

The budget will be given in accordance to Republic Act No. 5752 which mandates cities to build, improve and maintain permanent forest within public land.

"The use and enjoyment of the Arroceros Forest Park must be consistent with the principles of sustainable develoment and the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology," the ordinance stated.

Under the ordinance, cutting trees, dumping waste products and any form if excavation within the Arroceros Forest Park are prohibited.

Those who will be found violating the ordinance will face a P2,500 fine for first offense, P3,500 for second offense, and P5,000 fine or possible imprisonment not exceeding one year depending on the court's discretion for third offense.

A governing committee for the forest park will be established to manage its maintenance and overall operations.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMSerall operations.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS