ANGELES CITY — From Walking Street to Red Street patterned after the Pink Street in Lisbon, Portugal.
This is the goal of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. in transforming Fields Avenue into an al fresco or outdoor dining area.
Pink Street – official name: Rua Nova do Carvalho – lies in what used to be the Portuguese capital’s red-light district, just like Fields Avenue. It is now teeming with al fresco restaurants and bars.
The city partnered with Architect Michael Ponio for the design of the said soon-to-be converted Red Street, with the outdoor dining, tables, chairs, fence, lamp post, and mist.
Through his chief adviser IC Calaguas, Lazatin also instructed councilor Atty. Arvin Suller to sponsor the ordinance renaming the Walking Street in Fields Avenue to Red Street, which will be a wholesome food destination in the city.
Calaguas explained that policies will also be drafted for the management of Red Street.
“Mayor Lazatin and the team initially wanted to pattern Red Street after Pink Street in Lisbon. But we will also be looking at Time Square where there are individuals in costume and families can take photos while walking in Red Street,” Calaguas said.
Lazatin is also eyeing to partner with Fields Avenue business owners for the realization of Red Street.
“A partnership with the business owners on Fields Avenue is vital in achieving the vision of Mayor Lazatin,” Calaguas said.
To further visualize this goal of Mayor Lazatin, the city government allotted ₱14.5 million for the rehabilitation of drainage and roads in Fields Avenue.
Calaguas, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, and Angeles City Tourism Auxiliary head Michael Lising had an initial meeting with the city engineer’s office led by Engr. Donato Dizon, instructing them to finish the said rehabilitation by June 2023, upon the order of Mayor Lazatin.
To recall, one of the flagship programs of Mayor Lazatin is to rebrand the said Walking Street to Red Street. Angeles CIO