For Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, one of the best ways to defeat COVID-19 is by pursuing an active, healthy, and clean lifestyle.

For this reason, Rubiano has been pushing for more walkable spaces in her city, creating safe, accessible, equitable, and enjoyable walking conditions for all people of Pasay.

Walkability is more than just what happens on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Just as all residents have the right to walk and move, they have the right to also play.

Creating public spaces, such as parks, where all feel welcome is an important part of getting people to come out and engage with their community.

In line with this, the mayor recently inaugurated the Pasay Linear Park in District 2 that will benefit at least three barangays.

Rubiano said under the program “PASAYahin ang Pasayeños,” the Pasay Linear Park was designed as a place where families and friends can meet, bond, and catch-up with each other.

She said everyone is welcome at the park especially bikers, and fitness enthusiasts. Even pet lovers are welcome in the area.

“It has been my dream to put up a place or a park where our residents can relax or do their exercise," Rubiano said.

“We all know that aside from being vaccinated and observing the EMI Habit, it is also important to have a healthy body and the park can be used by our residents to do some exercise."

The mayor said the linear park will be an avenue for relaxation, enjoyment, and even business opportunities for the residents of Pasay City.

Rubiano said the park is located along EDSA covering three barangays, namely, 143, 144, and 137 in District ll which she created and funded when she was the city’s congressional representative.

Small businesses such as food stalls, health and fitness stores will have a space in the park for the benefit and convenience of the linear park-goers.

Pasay City’s Urban Development and Housing Office led by former Councilor Ian Vendivel successfully relocated an estimated 1,300 families to different relocation sites in Cavite, most of them in Trece Martires, to give way to the construction of the park.

The relocation was in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling in accordance with the Writ of Kalikasan that mandates the regular clean-up of Manila Bay where the residents used to illegally reside.

The relocated families thanked Rubiano for giving them their own houses and for taking care of their welfare during the whole process of relocation. (PIA-NCR)