In line with Governor Imee R. Marcos’ vision to transform Ilocos Norte into a province that is “livable, sustainable and resilient,” the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has launched the first of five public playgrounds-cum-fitness parks on December 14, 2016.
A Children’s Party highlighted the park opening at 4:30p.m., immediately preceding the “Paskua Mi Ditoy” (Pasko Namin Dito) Capitol Light-up which annually marks the provincial Christmas celebration and tourism campaign.
Last October 28, Marcos revealed her latest vision for Ilocos Norte to become “livable, sustainable, and resilient” in her State of the Province Address (SOPA), with the first goal including the creation of new public spaces to strengthen community relations.
She said, “The first space is our home, the second space is our workplace, and the third space is the public domain… anywhere we congregate and form social capital, volunteer associations, binding friendships.
“Sabi ni Bokal Matthew, mag-exercise daw sa ‘3G’ playground niya: three generations together, na habang naglalaro ang bagets, mag-exercise na ang yayang bakets!”
The 3G-park concept refers to a communal space wherein children, adults and the middle-aged, and seniors can come together and engage in active play or exercise in an environment that is both secure and ripe for recreation, which are other factors in Ilocos Norte’s “livable province” campaign.
Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc advocates healthy and active lifestyles for Ilocanos. He recently sponsored Provincial Ordinance No. 005-2016 which will offer athletic
Manotoc also plans the first province-wide youth sports program this summer to promote overall wellness, “encourage Ilocano youth to start playing sports and become active.”
Initial playgrounds and fitness parks are also scheduled to open in Dingras, Badoc, Batac City, and Bacarra before the end of this year for PGIN to gauge the projects’ success before implementing them in all towns of Ilocos Norte.
Marcos had urged, “Timpuyog idiay kalsada, timpuyog pay ti plaza ken dap-ayan!” (Unity on the streets, unity in the plaza and public spaces!)—(Mizpah Grace G. Castro, PGIN-CMO)
