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Remarks during the Unveiling of Marker of Lopez Picnic Grounds
(November 11, 2006)
La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City
by JOSE P. DE JESUS
	Great morning to all of you!  Surrounded by a lush forest where trees grow in wild abandon, never threatened by a cutting axe or a sinister chainsaw – we can truly say this is a perfect, refreshing day!

	On our way here, the pathways are strewn with blossoms of many hues.  We are sheltered by towering trees blessed with luxuriant foliage, and, yes, the air is fresh – and we can breathe free.

	The idea behind the La Mesa Park is a powerful one.  In the midst of a decaying metropolis, the Park stands as a refreshing garden patch sprawled over many hectares.  I could imagine that, from the vantage point of someone above us, one can see an ever fresh carpet of green, in the midst of arid land or amidst cold concrete.

	Another great idea came to the mind of the planners of this Park.  One of you might have asked: "Why don’t we have picnic grounds in one choice part of the Park?" And, fortunately enough, you are as gifted with great ideas as you are gifted by the ability to make such ideas a reality.

	And so today, we have the Lopez Picnic Grounds.  The brilliance of this idea derives from this powerful concept: If individuals and families find themselves at the center of idyllic surroundings, then they realize the imperative of pushing for ecological balance, even in the midst of the city.

	Imagine a family on a picnic here. A father lies on a carpet of grass, peers through the canopy of leaves – and inhales the freshest of air.  A mother catches a scent of flowers, or a boy’s heart is stirred by the gurgling sound of streams. And the girl’s heart misses a beat when she hears a bird sing.  

	The youths in the concrete jungle or in clinical classrooms speak of ecological balance, and wonder what it is teachers are talking about. Let them come to the Lopez Picnic Grounds and know what environmental balance means, as showcased by La Mesa Park!  

	Businessmen wonder why the Lopez Group spends a lot of money for this "green patch in the metropolis." Let them have a picnic in these grounds and realize that money spent is well worth it! 

	Academics cannot flesh out theories on sustainable environment.  Let them enjoy the picnic grounds, so they can receive living illustrations to their theoretical abstractions!

	We at MNTC know the power of example, and so we support the Lopez Picnic Grounds here at the La Mesa Park.  The park is a shining and refreshing example of a created environment that is now a showcase for environmentalists.

	And, yes, the Lopez Picnic Grounds must serve as a magnet for people to come and then enjoy an idyllic environment. And then they will know what we mean.  And then they will know why this means a lot to us.  And, we hope, they will come forward to create their own idyllic surroundings.  

Thank you. 
				

				
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