Gubat, Sorsogon: Policy on public parks, recreation out

The Local Government of Gubat is committed to developing more parks and recreation facilities that encourages participation and contributes to the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups in the community.

The LGU believes that such parks and recreation facilities can be a vehicle for positive social change.

It helps bind families through shared experiences and shared achievements.

It contributes to economic growth through business investment and employment, and helps sustain the environment through creating more open spaces and natural areas.

Studies show communities that participate in sports and recreation are generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity is not a priority.

Sports and recreation provide alternative activities for the population especially the youth.

This serves as a diversion from bad and destructive activities like gambling and drugs.

It also serves as a venue for daily exercise and other sport related activities.

Previously, the only existing parks in Gubat are the Christ the King Park and a small park at St. Anthony Subdivision in Barangay Cogon.

The cumulative area of these parks is 0.81 hectares.

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board recommends 500 sqm per 1,000 population.

This means that there should be at least 6 hectares of parks in the municipality.

In the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the municipality, it is recommended that the town would need 3.29 hectares more of land for the development of parks and recreation areas until 2029.

The objectives of the construction of the new municipal park are as follows:

1. Provide the public a safe, spacious and comfortable park and recreation area with adequate facilities accessible to all residents that promote activities that will enlist the participation of the general public;
2. Enhance the traffic and circulation flow in the municipal compound;
3. Improve the drainage system in the municipal compound; and
4. Promote a healthy lifestyle by providing a space for sports and exercise.