Bird watching, diverse flora, fauna await as La Mesa Ecopark reopens

La Mesa Ecopark, which is located in Quezon City, is set to open its doors again, and a slew of sights and activities await visitors.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, only the first phase will be opened to the public starting Saturday, June 29.

“La Mesa Ecopark is seen to be a recreational park before, but now that we are reopening it, we see that this is more of an environmental hub. An environmental hub that would really awaken the environmental consciousness of the public,” Manila Water Foundation Executive Director Reginald Andal said.

They also want to highlight the importance of taking care of our forests.

“Now that we are facing climate change, it is best that our public, our citizens will be able to connect to the nature and be able to provide an avenue for them to really help the nature,” he said.

La Mesa Ecopark is home to over 220 species of plants and animals, based on an assessment done in the area. The park, thus, is not just the perfect spot to reconnect with nature but also for one to be made aware of the importance of caring for the environment.

Operations manager Murphy Amparo also said that they are working on the exotic species found in the park, which are harmful to the endemic and native species in the Philippines.

‘Yung exotic po ‘yung gusto nating mawala. So ‘yung weeding and clearing to eliminate ‘yung competition between the exotic and ‘yung itatanim natin na native,” he said.

Wild Bird Club of the Philippines Vice President and avid bird watcher Karen Ochavo has approved the park’s reopening.

“‘Yung mga ibon, mas happy sila kasi walang nanghuhuli sa kanila. Tapos even ‘yung mga parkgoers, hindi naman nila pinapakialaman ‘yung mga wild birds,” she said.

Visitors may request a guided tour for bird watching. Those who want to do adventurous activities may also try wall climbing, rappelling, forest paintball, and archery tag within the park. There is also a venue for team building activities.

Eventually, visitors will get to visit the park's lagoon, as well as camp and hike once the park's second and third phases open.

La Mesa Ecopark is free for Quezon City residents, and the entrance fee is P20 for non-resident visitors.

The park is only limited to 1,000 visitors a day. Those who wish to visit must make a reservation through Manila Water's website.

— Carby Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News