STILL aligned with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s latest State of the Nation Address, Quezon City is being considered for enhancements aimed at promoting fitness-oriented spaces.

A joint initiative by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is in the pipeline, with the goal of encouraging a healthier lifestyle among Filipinos.

The two agencies will collaborate on designing a master plan to convert the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City into a hub for recreation and physical wellness.

Towards a Fitter Nation

The move follows a recent meeting between the two agencies, where PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized their shared goal of revitalizing the site.

“When we open the track ovals in Rizal Memorial, Philsports, and Baguio CIty, we realize na ang basic need pala ng mga mamamayan ay safe space where they can walk,” Gregorio told a media. 

Although Quezon City already offers various spaces for fitness and recreation, adding more wouldn’t hurt, as these areas can contribute to making the city’s streets more walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

This initiative also complements the proposed Elevated Landscape Promenade, which aims to link the Wildlife Center to the central zone of Quezon Memorial Circle.

“The DENR which has jurisdiction over parks and public land can support the program. We are committed to do so,” Lotilla said. “It can also help revive certain sports in communities like softball and baseball where we were known to be excellent in the early 1900s.”

“Putting up a diamond (for softball and baseball) is not expensive which can also be used in other kinds of activities like music and others,” he went on to explain. 

More Collaboration

The DENR is likewise looking into partnering with the PSC to improve forest land management initiatives, turning natural areas into active spaces that promote movement and physical challenges.

Potential activities include mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and obstacle sports—all of which are seen as strong prospects for consistently earning medals for the Philippines in international events.

In addition, the sports commission plans to work with the Wushu Federation of the Philippines to hold regular programs in parks and other public venues.