LUCENA CITY”•The provincial government of Quezon has fully restored a sunken garden at Perez Park at the capitol compound here since it was first established 90 years ago.
Governor David Jayjay Suarez led the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the 5,000-square-meter Block 1 of the park, which signaled its opening for public use and enjoyment, especially for children.
“This is just one of the improvements we will make for our province. What’s important for me is to fulfill my dream for this place to become a venue for all of you to spend your moments with your families and friends, bonding and enjoying one another and especially the children who will be at play here,” said Suarez.
Even the slides and the see-saw placed at the center of the park, first built in 1927 after its donation by Don Felimon Perez to the province when it was still called Tayabas, were restored for the kids’ enjoyment.
The governor walked around the park with his wife, Alona party-list Rep. Anna Villaraza-Suarez, and his mother, former 3rd District Rep. Aleta Suarez, as families poured into the park to enjoy its facilities. A 60-foot-tall Christmas tree was also unveiled at the park.
Suarez said it was a dream of his administration to restore the historical significance and value of the whole Perez park for the appreciation of the new generation of Quezonians about the real beauty of the old park.
He said it is about time for Quezon residents to recall and enjoy the old park which they used to walk leisurely around.
“This is a big deal for the people of Lucena. It brings back great memories of our childhood and the generosity of Don Filemon Perez and his family. Perez Park is one of the landmarks of Lucena and Quezon and is the only sunken garden of its size in the whole country,” Suarez said.
“This is something we should be proud of. It brings back our pride and identity,” said Vladimir Agcaoili Nieto, a noted local history enthusiast, in his comment on the photos posted on Facebook about the opening of the park’s Block 1.