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Last December, before the year ends I went to La Mesa Ecopark with my friends and I was really amazed to know that beneath the hustle and bustle of the city lights lies a very scenic paradise where one can have a dose of fresh air, commune with nature, picnic with family and friends, go biking, experience an adrenaline rush with the park ZIP Line, experience boating just like in Baguio City or just stroll around the park and be one with nature. Yes, you read it right. There’s such a place like this in Quezon City.

The La Mesa Ecology Park:

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. The property is owned by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a government agency. La Mesa Watershed is 2700 hectares, 700 hectares of which is the reservoir and 2000 hectares of which is the surrounding forest. This forest is the last remaining one of its size in Metro Manila and serves as its carbon dioxide sink. La Mesa Watershed, therefore, is vital to the city, not only because it is a primary source of drinking water, but also because its forest functions as the lungs of Metro Manila, providing it with clean air.

Due to lack of funds, illegal settling, poaching and logging, La Mesa Watershed came into disrepair and ruin. In 1999, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. created Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch) and, in partnership with the MWSS, undertook the Save La Mesa Watershed Project. The project aimed to rehabilitate, reforest, preserve and protect La Mesa Watershed. The total area that needed reforestation was 1500 hectares. Today, eight years since the project started, only 158 hectares remain to be planted. Bantay Kalikasan’s strategy of actively involving the general public in the project, through its Adopt/Protect-ATree/ Hectare programs, was key to its success.

To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. In September 2004, it was renamed La Mesa Ecopark and reopened to the public. All revenues generated by La Mesa Ecopark are utilized for the continuous preservation and protection of La Mesa Watershed. (Source: La Mesa Ecopark website)

Boating Lagoon

HOW TO GET THERE
Take Commonwealth Avenue towards Fairview. You will be passing the following landmarks: UP Diliman, Iglesia ni Cristo Templo Central, Ever Gotesco, Sandiganbayan, Litex, Mercury Drugstore. Turn right at East Fairview Subdivision’s Winston Street. then take another right turn at Marlboro Steet, then turn left at Dunhill Street.  Follow the road all the way to the bridge. You will enter the La Mesa Eco Park Guard House.

For commuters, take a Fairview-bound FX, bus, or jeepney from Philcoa by the entrance to the University of the Philippines. Jut ask the driver to drop you off at the East Fairview Subdivision. Ride a trike to the Eco Park and Have fun.

For more details on how to go there, call 410-9670 or visit La Mesa Eco Park’s Website.

The La Mesa Ecology Park
02) 430-4051/ (02) 430-5207/ (02) 430-5207 (telefax)
Sarah – 09062234125
Dong – 09159013772
lamesaecopark@abs-cbn.com
www.lamesaecopark.com

Stairway to Heaven

Petron Flower Terrace

Petron Fitness Trail

Adrenaline Rush: Zip Line

Wall Climbing with no harness

Souvenir Shop