Public spaces are crucial since they give people a place where they can take care of their well-being, whether through rest, exercise, or socializing. That’s why Valenzuela City has just opened a portion of the Polo Riverwalk.

The Polo River is a tributary that connects the Meycauayan River (to the north) and the Tullahan River (to the southeast). The banks used to be occupied by informal-settler families (ISF), and this caused problems regarding pollution, sanitation, and safety.

After relocating the ISFs under the city’s Disiplina Village housing program, the LGU partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to create the esplanade.

The Polo Riverwalk spans approximately 6km with four segments. Aside from acting as flood control, it will also connect the barangays of Poblacion, Balangkas, Wawang Pulo, Tagalag Fishing Village, and Coloong via the Valenzuela Boardwalk.

The park is being overseen by the Valenzuela City People’s Park management, and it will feature accessible restrooms, outdoor fitness equipment, and 24/7 CCTV monitoring.

The Polo Riverwalk is open every day from 5am to 10pm. As of now, only the first 2.5km is open. The whole stretch will be open to the public by the end of this year.

Hopefully, more LGUs will be inspired by this project and invest in better public spaces. With all the traffic and pollution in Metro Manila, Filipinos need this more than ever.