The San Juan City government has unveiled three new environmentally sustainable public infrastructure projects aimed at improving public spaces, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening the city’s resilience to climate-related challenges.
The projects were inaugurated on Wednesday, September 2, under the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Green, Green, Green Program.
The newly completed facilities are the Birdwatching Observation Deck inside the city’s declared bird sanctuary in Barangay Addition Hills, the rehabilitated Ermitaño Creek Linear Park, and 12 solar-powered waiting sheds equipped with bicycle racks and charging stations placed at strategic locations throughout the city.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora led the inauguration of the projects, which have a combined cost of ₱39.5 million. Funding was provided through the DBM’s Green, Green, Green Program under the Local Government Support Fund through a Memorandum of Agreement.
Joining Zamora at the ceremony was Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr., who represented MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, CPA. Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, Councilor Herbert Chua, Councilor Bea de Guzman-Cabatbat, Councilor Rolando Bernardo, city officials, department heads, barangay officials, and local residents also attended.
The officials participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marker unveiling, blessing, and inspection of the completed facilities.
Bird sanctuary becomes centerpiece
Zamora described the Birdwatching Observation Deck as a particularly distinctive project for San Juan, noting that it represents a different approach to environmental protection and public infrastructure.
“Ako’y natutuwa sapagkat ito po ay kakaiba; very, very unique. In my long years in public service as a councilor, as a vice mayor, as a mayor, I’ve never encountered any project in relation to birds, except now,” he said.
He emphasized that the facility is unique to Addition Hills and forms part of the city’s broader environmental agenda.
“Only Addition Hills has this, hindi lang sa San Juan. This is something we’re very proud of. This is part of our thrust sa biodiversity, sustainability, sa pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan,” he added.
Councilor Chua, whose barangay led efforts to establish Addition Hills as a bird sanctuary, said the observation deck represents the culmination of years of environmental work and community involvement.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi ito na yung culmination ng aming mission into making Addition Hills a total bird sanctuary. We passed an ordinance last 2023, An Ordinance Declaring Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan City, Metro Manila as a Bird Sanctuary and Prohibiting the Hunting, the Snaring, Harming, Trapping, Catching and Disturbance of Nesting Sites or Destruction of Critical Habitat of All Birds and Other Agents in the Territorial Jurisdiction of San Juan,” he said.
Chua said the ordinance was developed after local officials observed the number of birds and trees in the area during their walks around the community.
He also recalled how environmental rehabilitation transformed the site, which was previously considered a neglected waterway.
“This used to be a dead creek. With all the cleanup, nagtapon pa tayo ng Mabuhay Balls dito. Ngayon, I’m happy to report that pag tumingin kayo dito, may isda na. Nature heals itself,” he added.
He assured residents that the city would continue protecting the area and maintaining its ecological features.
“This will be a sanctuary for birds, a space for people, and a legacy for nature. Magkakaroon po tayo dito ng bird trail. We will document all the birds in Addition Hills,” Chua said.
Chua said 27 bird species have so far been identified in the area. He also committed to continuing efforts to preserve the facility, birds, trees, and waterways.
MMDA praises sustainability efforts
MMDA Deputy Chairman San Juan Jr. commended the city government for pursuing projects that promote environmentally responsible urban development.
“On behalf of the MMDA Family, I convey our gratitude to the City of San Juan for partnering with MMDA in the construction of the Green, Green, Green Projects, namely, Birdwatching Observation Deck, Redevelopment of Ermitaño Linear Creek, and 12 Units Solar-Powered Waiting Shed with Bike Racks and Charging Stations,” San Juan Jr. said.
He noted that the projects were made possible through joint funding from the DBM under the Local Government Support Fund and the partnership established through a Memorandum of Agreement.
“These projects are jointly funded by the DBM under the Local Government Support Fund via a Memorandum of Agreement. Congratulations po. Ang proyektong ito ay padagdag ng padagdag at dagdag din sa inyong karangalan, na nakikita naman ng ating mga taga-lungsod at sa Pilipinas, kayo po ay pinagmamasdan at kinaiinggitan,” he added.
The San Juan City government said its investments in green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable transportation demonstrate that even one of Metro Manila’s smallest cities can contribute to creating a cleaner and more climate-resilient urban environment.
The city also said the projects highlight the national government’s continuing support for local governments pursuing sustainability and environmentally focused development initiatives.