PALAYAN CITY (PIA) — As part of efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the city government of Palayan, has begun constructing the San Lorenzo Green Linear Park in Barangay Atate, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
The 608-square-meter project, located along San Lorenzo Creek, aims to restore river easement zones that were previously affected by illegally built structures.
DENR Nueva Ecija Provincial Head Gerundio Fernandez explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay by strengthening the river’s natural ecosystem and addressing long-standing challenges in easement management.
“This initiative demonstrates how rehabilitation and development can go hand in hand. By recovering river easement areas, we are protecting our waterways, promoting biodiversity conservation, and creating safe, sustainable spaces for community recreation,” he added.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the importance of working with local government units and communities to ensure the success of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
“This linear park is more than an infrastructure project. It is a shared investment in environmental stewardship and community well-being. Through such initiatives, we are transforming degraded easement areas into vibrant public spaces that foster resilience, sustainability, and quality of life for our people,” he stated.
Nueva Ecija is strategically located within the upstream stretch of the Pampanga River, which ultimately drains into Manila Bay.
As of September 16, DENR has deployed 100 River Rangers to conduct regular cleanup along waterways and installed trash traps in Cabanatuan City, Science City of Muñoz, and the municipalities of Aliaga, Rizal, Talavera, and San Antonio. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
