The Agri-Eco Park in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia was developed by the City Agriculture Office. It is home to a greenhouse for organic farming, container gardening and fish pond.
CDN PHOTO/NORMAN MENDOZA
What used to be an idle 3.6-hectare lot in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia is now transformed into Mandaue City’s first Agri-Eco Park.
Mandaue City Agriculturist Rolando Tiro said the Agri-Eco Park is home to various tree species, ornamental and herbal plants, greenhouse for organic farming, container gardening and fish pond.
The park was developed last March and was launched to the public last December 20.
“The plan was to have this lot as a satellite market for crops and vegetables from mountain farms. It did not push through because it might cause traffic congestion in the area,” said Tiro.
The park is surrounded by three roads: J.P. Rizal in the western portion, R. Colina in the southern portion and S.B. Cabahug in the eastern portion.
The park is located near Pacific Mall on M.C. Briones Street.
The Mandaue City Agriculture Office will be in charge in the management and maintenance of the park.
Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Tiro said the park will allow people to go fishing in four months with a certain fee. Tilapia fish is raised in the pond.
The park also has native huts, benches and a basketball court that visitors can use and enjoy.
Mandaue City Councilor Carmelino del Mar, who was the former barangay captain of Ibabao-Estancia, said the Agri-Eco Park can be an attraction for Mandaue City where people can relax, learn to grow plants, enjoy the scenery and engage in park activities.
Del Mar said the lot was previously rented by a cooperative.
The barangay put up basketball and volleyball courts after the cooperative’s contract expired.
A portion of the lot was used as a temporary parking area of public utility jeepneys.
To protect and conserve the park, Barangay Ibabao-Estancia Captain Jesus Barz said a tanod outpost will be set up in the area to prevent theft and avoid damage to property.
Department of Agriculture Regional Director Leo Cañeda lauded the move to transform the area into a productive park.
“It is always an excellent move to think out of the box. … to transform this idle land to a beautiful park,” said Cañeda.