The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is set to transform into a vibrant hub where nature, wellness, and sports come together for the Filipino community.
Imagine a park where families can bike freely, athletes can train by the lagoon, and kids can discover new sports under the trees.
Soon, that vision will take shape at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) in Quezon City, as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) team up to transform it into a space where nature and active living come together.
For PSC Chairman Pató Gregorio, it’s about bringing wellness closer to everyday life.
“When we opened the track ovals in Rizal Memorial, Philsports, and Baguio City, we saw how much communities value simple, open areas to walk, jog, or play,” he said.
This time, the goal is to give city dwellers a safe and inspiring space that encourages movement—whether it’s as simple as a weekend stroll or as dedicated as training for competition.
The upcoming features are designed with both fun and fitness in mind.
Expect to see a skateboarding park, wushu and sport climbing areas, rowing and canoe-kayak lanes across the lagoon, and wide bike- and pedestrian-friendly paths.
The PSC also plans to partner with the Wushu Federation of the Philippines to bring Tai Chi and Taolu to the park—gentle yet powerful disciplines that anyone, young or old, can enjoy.
For DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the project is also a chance to reconnect Filipinos with their roots.
“Softball and baseball were sports where Filipinos were known to be excellent as early as the 1900s,” he recalled. Adding a proper softball and baseball diamond is not only affordable but also opens the park to community events, concerts, and cultural gatherings.
Beyond the city center, both agencies are looking at integrating outdoor adventure sports into forest lands—think hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and obstacle races.
These activities strengthen the bond between people and the environment, while also giving local athletes a competitive edge in sports where the Philippines has made its mark internationally.
At the heart of it all is a shared belief: healthier communities grow stronger when people have access to green, open spaces.
“This partnership is not only about sports but also about creating healthier communities and more sustainable public spaces,” Chairman Gregorio said. “Together, we can build spaces that will benefit both people and nature for generations to come.”
With this collaboration, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is set to become more than just a sanctuary in the city—it’s shaping up to be a lifestyle destination where wellness, culture, and community thrive side by side.