๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ ๐ โ A riverside rehabilitation project under the Department of Environment and Natural Resourcesโ (DENR) Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program (MBRP) is generating livelihood opportunities, boosting local tourism, and helping protect waterways in the coastal town of Sasmuan, Pampanga.
Residents, particularly fisherfolk and women, are benefiting from economic opportunities created through the Sasmuan Linear Park, which has become a popular destination for visitors and a venue for various community activities.
Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera said the park has attracted schools and organizations from different areas that conduct mangrove planting activities and visit the townโs mangrove nursery, creating opportunities for local residents to earn additional income.
โThe Sasmuan Linear Park has become more than just a recreational area. It attracts visitors from different places, including universities that conduct mangrove planting activities and visit our mangrove nursery. Through this initiative, local mothers have gained opportunities to earn a living by selling goods and helping maintain the park, enabling them to support their families and contribute to their childrenโs education,โ Cabrera said.
The project has likewise provided additional income for fisherfolk who participated in its development and continue to benefit from the growing tourism activity in the area.
โEven during the construction of the linear park, fisherfolk were already benefiting through additional income opportunities. Today, the park continues to boost tourism in our municipality and serves as an important public space where residents, especially young people, can gather, relax, and appreciate the natural beauty of our coastal community,โ said Reynaldo Basco, president of the Federation of Sasmuan Fisherfolk Association Inc. (FSFA).
To further support sustainable livelihoods, the municipal government established a coffee shop within the park grounds, creating another source of income for residents while enhancing the areaโs appeal to visitors.
Beyond its economic benefits, the park has become a venue for Zumba sessions, meetings, family gatherings, and other community activities, providing residents with a safe and accessible space for recreation and wellness.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the project highlights how environmental rehabilitation efforts can deliver long-term social, economic, and ecological benefits to communities.
โThis project is a clear example of how environmental protection and community development can go hand in hand. By transforming river easements into functional public spaces, we help prevent the return of informal settlements along waterways, minimize pollution that eventually reaches Manila Bay, and provide residents with livelihood opportunities and a safe place for recreation. Ultimately, the success of this linear park shows that rehabilitation efforts can improve both environmental conditions and the quality of life of our communities,โ Pablo said.
The Sasmuan Linear Park forms part of the MBRPโs Key Result Area 3, which focuses on river easement recovery and the management of informal settler families to prevent encroachment along waterways and reduce pollution sources that contribute to the degradation of Manila Bay.
Developed through the efforts of the FSFA in partnership with the local government and DENR, the 1,300-square-meter linear park was completed in June 2025 and features gazebos, garden bridges, landscaped areas, and other amenities designed to promote environmental conservation and community engagement.
