Metropolitan Arrangements - Philippine Institute for Development ...

92 ManagingUrbanizationUndera DecentralizedGovernanceFramework
community development experts and sociologists, the squatterfamilies
were finally convinced to resettle in the Malanday and Tumana
areas. Because the land is privately owned, the city government helped
the families organize themselves and facilitated their enrollment in
the Community Mortgage Program so that they could eventually own
the land and house they occupy. One of the major factors that led
people to cooperate was the city government's effort to ensure that
the resettlement
and sewerage.
sites have the basic facilities such as water, electricity
After the successful resettlement of families, the city government
issued an ordinance that penalized garbage dumping into the river.
A fine of P2,000 was set for violators. The ordinance was strictly
enforced and those who could not pay the fine had the option to pay
the equivalent amount in the form of community service.
The construction of the five-kilometer biking, jogging and
walking lanes passing through 11 of the town's 14 barangays was
henceforth pursued. Electric lights were installed and park benches
placed along the river stretch. In cooperation with the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 800 ornamental trees
were initially planted along the riverbanks. Fish seeding (carp, plapla
and tilapia) was also undertaken. Marikina river prides itseff as the,
only biologically living river in the whole Metro Manila. The rise of
numerous structures along the river followed. Included here are the
playgrounds, picnic groves, camping grounds, basketball courts,
skating rink, floating restaurant and water fountains. From 1993 to
1997, the city government spent about P34.7 million or an average of
P6.9 million per year on this project. Among its financial sources are
national government entities and about P1.6 million from the
Countryside Development Fund of two senators. Donations in kind
were given by the city's private sector. For instance, the Chinese
Chamber of Commerce built a Chinese pagoda while the Marikina
Zonta Club (a people's organization) designed a Roman garden.
The Marikina River Park Authority (MRPA) under the Office
of the Mayor was created to oversee the whole river park program. It
is presently an attached agency of the city government and manned
by about 50 personnel. The MRPA coordinates with the City
Engineering Office, City Settlements Office, City Health Office and
City Public Safety and Security Office and the barangays. The city's
radio broadcast facility, DZBE also supports the project through its
public service programs aired daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.