"It used to be a garbage dumpsite in a one thousand square meter area. Now, it is a promising butterfly sanctuary," said Marvin Licup, president of the Samahan ng Mamamayan ng Cuayan (Samaka).
According to Licup, the park was constructed inside a property donated by the City Government.
Residents dream that the eco-park would become a model urban ecological hub.
Licup said various civic groups and government agencies are now implementing livelihood programs for the Cuayan residents.
Villanueva said the Angeles City Ecology Park is a result of the ongoing partnership between the local government, non-government organizations (NGOs), and people organizations.
Angeles Mayor Francis Nepomuceno said opening of the eco-park also proves the City Government's development strategy specifically on environmental protection.
He said the ecology park sets the people to a new path for tending the environment.
"It teaches us that each and every one of us is a steward of our urban ecology and must act responsibly to make our home clean. It is to be noted that ecology parks can help foster a more benign relationship between people and nature, and make it possible for people to benefit from nature conservation," he added.
Like in some countries, there is already a well-developed network of national parks that are a source of national pride.
According to Nepomuceno, these places have become a tourist draw card and earned revenue year round from visitors, who in turn make an important contribution to national development.
The ecology park aims to become a venue for educational trips and environmental education for students in the city and other areas in the province.
The park features a butterfly house, mini-park, nursery and eventually a demo area for lessons in science, sampaguita plantation, receptacle, and display area for souvenir items and other related features.
