THE Phase 1 of the Eco Park, which is a former dumpsite in Upper Dagong, Barangay Carmen, will be opened to the public in July this year, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) head engineer Armen Cuenca said.

The Phase 1 of the 17-hectare Eco Park features an amphitheater, bike and jogging lanes, and rotunda.

The Eco Park project began after the former open dumpsite was close in April 2017. A budget was allocated to start the rehabilitation phase of the dumpsite.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also provided a P70-million budget for the project.

"Kining Eco Park lipay ta kay nag qualify kini sa program sa DBM. Naay kurambus program nila para sa parks. Nag qualify ang Eco Park and so nag allocate ang DBM," City Mayor Oscar Moreno said.

"Unfortunately, ang pondo nga gi-allocate sa DBM dili ma-implement diretso kay naa pa may preparation that has to be done," he added.

Moreno also mentioned that there are engineering preparation issues that they have to address first.

"Ang solusyon na lang gyud diha is paspasan nato para nga katong kurambus sa DBM magamit na dayon," Moreno said.

"Timing issues lang ni. Obviously ato na ning gi-address with the contractors, bisan sa City Engineering and the Clenro," he added.

The Eco Park, upon completion, will include a botanical garden, butterfly garden, lagoon, picnic/food area, adult and children's playground, among others.