MANILA – The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism National Capital Region (DOT-NCR), and the City of Parañaque officially opened the Nayong Pilipino Bike and Nature Trail this morning to promote cycling tourism in Metro Manila.
Present during the event was DOT Undersecretary Atty. Gail Pamintuan, DOT-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, NPF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe, Parañaque City Administration Voltaire Dela Cruz, and Pasay City Alliance of Tourism Advocates (PCATA) Vice President Gel Gomez.
“The Department of Tourism fully supports the Nayong Pilipino Foundation in its initiative to regain a spot in the urban green space arena and to make the park open, accessible, and safe for bikers,” said Usec Pamintuan.
“We applaud the Nayong Pilipino Foundation for taking a progressive step to revitalize the park by diversifying its products to create its own brand of bicycle tourism as well as to provide a healing space for our people and the environment,” she added.
“As we pursue a tourism industry that is green, resilient, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. This project is vital as we grow and expand our tourism industry which is positively heading towards recovery,” she added.
While DOT-NCR Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin said that the project aligns with DOT Secretary Christina Frasco’s two objectives which are to strengthen the collaboration among the National Government, Local Government Units, and the private sector and create a multidimensional tourism for all to enjoy.
The NPF is excited to develop its property so that more people can enjoy the solace provided by nature and grow an appreciation for trees.
“Being one of the last remaining green sites in the middle of Metro Manila, we are lucky we still have a place to enjoy the urban forest,” NPF Executive Director Gertie Duran-Batocabe.
Since 2021, NPF has made small steps toward stewardship of its 9.5-ha property by organizing tree-planting activities and choosing partner agencies to drum-up support and awareness. In 2022 alone, the agency was able to plant 446 trees.
“Our partnerships with private and public institutions are an example of how collaboration can raise awareness about cycling tourism. Only by working together, we can protect people and provide communities with healthier environments for generations to come,” added Duran-Batocabe.
The NPF is an attached agency of the DOT.
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