(Screengrab: Taguig City FB page) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- A healthy public open space is one that is safe, accessible, and well-maintained. It should provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and exposure to nature. It should also be designed in a way that promotes biodiversity and supports the local ecosystem. Additionally, a healthy public open space should be inclusive and provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to enjoy.

To achieve public open spaces, the Department of Health (DOH), Department of interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) at the Taguig Lakeshore Hall, Monday, January 23.

Entitled, “Guidelines on the Creation and Use of Parks and Public Open Spaces for the Promotion of Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic,” it contains the guidelines in creating a healthy public open space.

Present in the signing are Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, DOH Asec. Gloria Balboa and Asec. Beverly Ho, DPWH NCR Regional Director Loreta Malaluan, PCW Exec. Dir. Atty. Kristine Yuzon-Chaves, NCCA Chairperson Victorino Manalo, and officials from DILG, DENR, DOT, and DHSUD.

In her speech, Asec. Balboa said a safe and sustainable green open space can benefit an individual’s physical, social and psychological well-being.

“A safe and sustainable green space increases physical activity, enhances social and psychology well-being, mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce public health inequality,” she said. 

She then recognized the support of the Taguig City Government and other local government units as the main drivers and implementers of such initiative in their respective communities.

Based on the joint administrative order, a healthy public open space must be open and accessible to the public. It must be child, elderly, PWD, and pet-friendly.

It shall also serve as a safe space for all, making it smoke, vape, alcohol and drug-free, well-managed and maintained.

With the support of the NCCA, the open space must also be promotive of local culture, arts and heritage.

For its part, the DENR must also ensure that the public space is eco-friendly, sustainable, non-polluting, climate and disaster resilient.

According to studies, green spaces can lower levels of stress and reduce rates of depression and anxiety. With the support of relevant agencies and local government units across the country, these spaces may bring positive effects on people’s mental health and general well-being. (PIA-NCR)