Tondaligan Park cleared of illegal activities
THE demolition of illegal sheds and structures inside the old Tondaligan Park not only removed the eyesores, filthy environment and the tax-evading shed owners but also put an end to the reported rampant prostitution, illegal gambling and pot sessions in the area.
Mayor Belen Fernandez, in a talk with newsmen, expressed disgust on hearing the about the near-rape of a young girl in one of the demolished sheds and said the continued operation of the illegal structures could no longer be tolerated after the owners were seen exploiting the earlier tolerant policy of the city government.
There were 260 plus cottages and beach sheds owned and operated by different persons that were demolished by the city engineer’s office since January 22.
With the completion of the demolition phase, Fernandez said the overdue rehabilitation of the park to make it a major tourist destination will finally be implemented.
Fernandez said the new Tondaligan Park will feature a mini board walk, children’s park, beach volleyball court, basketball court and uniformed beach sheds.
She said visitors’ view of the sea will no longer be obstructed by sheds.
Fourth District Rep. Toff de Venecia pledged to help in the rehabilitation of the park by linking the city government with possible sources of funds.
Fernandez said part of the P120 million savings posted by the city government last year will be used initially to cover costs for the rehab plan.
City Engineer Virginia Rosario reported to Fernandez that more than 260 illegal sheds structures were demolished. A report said the owner of these paid P100,000 to a city official from 2001 for the right to construct and operate picnic sheds along the beach shore.
Most of the illegal sheds were operated as videoke bars and for prostitution by businessmen from Bulacan, Baguio, Lingayen, Calasiao and Malasiqui.
Meanwhile, the mayor said preparation for the Pista’y Dayat on May 1 is underway that will include beach party for the first time. (Leonardo Micua)
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