ANGELES CITY -- “People always love to see beautiful places and things.”
These were the words of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan when he showed to media the nine parks glittering with Christmas lights and decors along the old Philippine National Railway (PNR) track.
The parks were developed by the city government under Pamintuan’s leadership.
Aside from the parks, the mayor said he also developed the area around the old city hall at the city proper into what it is now called the Angeles City Heritage District where the Plaza Angel is situated.
“Whatever my critics say, people will always love what I do and the people love to see these beautiful places we transformed into tourists spots,” Pamintuan said.
The mayor said the funds used in converting parts of the old railway into people’s parks came from businessmen and his well-off friends here and abroad.
Auxiliary Bishop Pablo "Ambo" David of the Holy Rosary Parish Church donated most of the ornamental plants and trees planted inside the parks.
Former City Councilor Alex Cauguiran, Pamintuan’s chief of staff, headed the team that handled the physical preparations of the people’s park.
Jay Pelayo, of the city information office, said the parks are located at barangays Pulung Bulu, Santa Teresita, Santo Cristo, Lourdes Sur, Malabanias, Balibago, Agapito Del Rosario, Claro M. Recto and Tabun.
Every day, residents adjacent to these villages enjoy the relaxing atmosphere inside the parks, Pamintuan said.
After the tour of the parks, Pamintuan treated the press to a dinner at the famous Aling Lucing’s carinderia along the Crossing Street.
Zeny Cunanan, daughter of the late Aling Lucing, served the original pork sisig to the group.