The Tourism Department is in talks with local officials to redevelop the Quezon Memorial Circle into a greener and more sustainable national park.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat met with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to discuss plans in enhancing the 25-hectare park as a part of the city’s tourism circuit to attract more local and foreign tourists.
“It is vital that DOT support the vision of Quezon City to preserve its heritage park. The site is home to many significant monuments, markers, museums and gardens, including the mausoleum containing the remains of President Manuel Quezon that remind visitors of the city’s rich history,” Puyat said.
The department envisions the national park to remain a family-friendly attraction for generations. The area houses a small amusement park and green spaces for picnics.
It is also a point of convergence with the ongoing construction of the Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 7. An underground station of MRT 7 is being constructed in the Quezon Memorial.
Puyat also vowed to enforce the Tourism Act of 2009 which requires to have tourism establishments accredited with the DOT before the local government can issue a business permit to operate.
This is vital in ensuring that these establishments will pass the basic accommodation and service standards set by the department, she said.
Belmonte assured Puyat that the Quezon City local government was updating its Tourism Development Plan to reflect the priorities of the national government.
“As the greenest city in the metro with the most number of parks and open spaces, we are looking forward to working with the DOT to enhance these assets in order for them to be more attractive to visitors of diverse interests,” Belmonte said.