Villar Wants Every Filipino Community To Have Its Own Public Park
VILLAR – Senator Villar is advocating for greener communities through a proposed law mandating public parks nationwide.
Senator Mark Villar is pushing for the immediate passage of a bill that would mandate the establishment of at least one public green park in every city and municipality across the Philippines, citing the urgent need to address the rapid loss of open spaces due to urbanization.
Under Senate Bill No. 2049, also known as the Building Eco-Friendly Recreational Destinations for Every City and Municipal Act or BERDE Act, Villar aims to promote the development of accessible urban green spaces nationwide. The proposal comes at a time when urban areas continue to expand, often at the expense of natural environments and public recreational spaces.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that 54% of Filipinos, or approximately 58.93 million people, now reside in urban areas. Villar emphasized that the continued growth of Metro Manila and other localities, particularly the country’s 33 highly urbanized cities, has significantly contributed to the decline of open and green spaces.
The senator warned that the disappearance of natural areas has left communities facing higher temperatures, poorer air quality, and reduced access to nature. These conditions, he noted, directly impact the health and well-being of residents.
Under the proposed measure, local government units will be required to identify suitable public land and allocate funds and resources for the development, maintenance, and sustainable management of eco-friendly recreational destinations. The bill also seeks to make urban greening a primary responsibility of local governance rather than a secondary concern.
In addition, the proposal mandates schools and universities, in coordination with LGUs, to conduct regular tree-planting activities. This initiative aims to encourage youth participation in environmental protection and sustainability efforts.
Villar highlighted the crucial role public parks play in improving public health and strengthening communities. He pointed to studies showing that green spaces contribute to better physical and mental well-being, foster social connections, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and protect biodiversity.
“This is no longer a choice, it is a necessity,” said Senator Villar.
He added, “The continued loss of our green spaces threatens our health, our environment, and our future. We must act now to reverse this trend. I call on my colleagues in the Senate and House, on all LGUs, on schools and universities, and on every concerned Filipino to support the BERDE Act. Let us build green cities where every community has a place to breathe, play, connect, and heal.”
Villar has urged both chambers of Congress to fast-track the passage of Senate Bill No. 2049 and called on local leaders and the public to support the measure.
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