A visit to Arroceros Forest Park

Manila's last lung, Arroceros Forest Park, was given a new lease on life on Tuesday when city Mayor Isko Moreno declared it a permanent forest park.

This riverside park  is only 2.2 hectares in size, but its importance to the Philippines' clogged, crowded, overheating capital region cannot be overstated. 

At least 60 Philippine species are represented by more than 1,500 trees, while at least 25 bird species use the so-called "the last breathing space in Manila" as their haven. Migratory birds have also been seen in the park.

"Mahalaga itong Arroceros Forest Park kasi nagsisilbi siyang tahanan para sa rare na species," botanist Jeffrey Mancera said in "Ang Huling Gubat sa Maynila," journalist Howie Severino's report on the park for i-Witness last year.

The park has survived despite past attempts to build on it—including the successful construction of government buildings in a portion of the park that significantly reduced its green space—and having impounded vehicles dumped in it. Moreno has said that he plans to expand the park.

Arroceros Forest Park is on Antonio Villegas Street in Ermita, Manila, and is open to the public during office hours.

— BM, GMA News