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Mayor-elect Isko vows to keep Manila Zoo, Arroceros Park


Manila City Mayor-elect Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso assured his constituents that recreational areas in the city will be preserved and improved, as several properties have been rumored to be for sale.

In a radio interview aired on DZMM Teleradyo, Domagoso said Manila City properties such as the Arroceros Forest Park and the Manila Zoo will be maintained by the local government.

"I made a commitment before the election and even yesterday, when I was being interviewed by another outfit, na we will protect and we will not sell," he said.

"We will develop Arroceros Park because that's the only breathing space for Lawton sa Manila," he elaborated.

The Manila Doctors Hospital, which helped rehabilitate the park in 2014 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has since started an online petition to save the park.

With 96,823 signatures as of this posting, the petition seeks to stop the local government's plan to put up a gym inside the area, which threatens to cut down trees in the area.

"Malaki 'yung park na 'yan, full of trees, and we'll see to it if there's a chance of fair for everybody, as dog training (area) or ano, then so be it," said Domagoso.

In the same interview, he said that the Manila Zoo, which was temporarily closed starting January, will be maintained by the Manila City government.

"We will not sell it... 'Wag ho kayong mag-alala, hindi po (namin ibebenta)," he said.

Outgoing Manila City Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada in January ordered for the temporary closure of the zoo after it was tagged as one of the major pollutants of Manila Bay.

Last year, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) also called for the closure of the zoo if its operators cannot take care of the animals it houses.

One of its residents, elephant Mali, has long been the subject of discussion due to her housing conditions.

"Maaaring ayusin po natin at 'yung isang gabi, we were discussing the plight of 'yung ating elepante. We'll look into it. We guarantee you that all animals will be protected," said Domagoso.

"At talagang sisilipin ko po 'yung katayuan ng mga hayop, lalo na sa pagpapakain sa kanila. Mukhang pati pagkain ng hayop at kinakain na rin ng tao," he added. —Dona Magsino/LBG, GMA News