𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐜𝐨-𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤: 𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐑 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎, 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 — A once-congested riverside occupied by informal settlements has been transformed into a vibrant eco park through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3’s Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, demonstrating how environmental restoration can create lasting benefits for both people and nature.

The 290-linear-meter green space along the Talisay River, spanning Barangays Talisay and Bagumbayan in Balanga City, Bataan, was developed by the DENR through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Dinalupihan to restore the legal easement area, improve river protection, and provide a safe recreational space for the community.

Raul Mamac, head of the DENR provincial office in Bataan, reported that the project became possible after the City Government of Balanga relocated 216 informal settler families to a housing project in Barangay Tenejero in June 2023, paving the way for the rehabilitation of the riverbank.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the eco park features landscaped gardens, concrete benches, solar-powered lighting, plant boxes, waste bins, bamboo structures, and informational signages.

Eco-bricks produced by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office were used as key construction materials, promoting the city’s circular waste management initiatives while reducing plastic waste.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the project reflects the agency’s commitment to environmental restoration that delivers tangible benefits to communities.

“This project is a clear demonstration of how we can turn challenges into opportunities. From informal settlements to a thriving eco park, our vision for a greener, safer, and more livable community in Balanga has taken root with strong collaboration between national and local government playing a crucial role,” Pablo said.

Beyond enhancing the landscape, the rehabilitation has strengthened riverbank protection, reduced flooding risks, improved solid waste management, and created livelihood opportunities through the deployment of River Rangers who oversee the park’s daily maintenance and monitoring.

Barangay Bagumbayan Captain Eduardo Madayag expressed appreciation to DENR and partner agencies for the project’s positive impact on the community.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to DENR and partner agencies for working with the City Government of Balanga in the successful development of our linear park. This project became possible through collective action and dedication. DENR’s support has not only created a clean and green park but also brought hope, safety, and opportunity to our community,” Madayag said.

DENR and the Balanga City Government continue to jointly monitor and maintain the site to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the project’s second phase, which is expected to further improve accessibility, safety, and ecological value of the riverside park.