Valenzuela continues to promote people-centered places of interest throughout the city, especially along the banks of the Polo River. This February, the local government opened the Polo Riverwalk, a six-kilometer esplanade divided into four segments. A portion of this area is fully open to the public every day from 5 am to 10 pm.

A short program and introduction were held at Alvarez Park Cafe in Tagalag, where former Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian and Congressman Kenneth Gatchalian were in attendance, in addition to members from the Move As One Coalition, Renacimiento Manila, Alt Mobility, and Manila Moves, among others. Architect Gerard Lico, the head architect of the riverwalk project, was also present. After breakfast, participants either biked or were driven to the entrance of the esplanade.

One Solution For Several Issues

According to King Urieta, Head of Events at Valenzuela City Parks, this project was to “enforce the 3-meter easement and to urge the DPWH to improve the… design to make it a practical access point for nearby barangays.”

The barangays benefiting from the Polo Riverwalk are Poblacion, Balangkas, Wawang Pulo, Tagalag Fishing Village, and Coloong. This project also aims to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Valenzuela, from humans to animals, by making it accessible for cyclists and pedestrians alike, and adding several seating areas and green shaded spaces.

Esplanades like the Polo Riverwalk are a Win for Cities

Valenzuela, much like several cities in Metro Manila, is dense. In this kind of environment, having a continuous and free open space where people can relax or focus on their physical health helps in maintaining livability and well-being. These spaces shouldn’t be treated as add-ons, but as basic urban infrastructure that are just as important as roads.

The city’s history of flooding further strengthens the case for esplanades. Waterfront paths also serve as flood buffers and drainage corridors, while added vegetation offers shade and helps lower temperatures in nearby communities. We’ve seen this potential before, though not the best, in places like the Dampalit Megadike we went to late last year.

Finally, esplanades encourage people to move without cars. By providing space that is clearly designed for people, walking and cycling become the norm. The city government has provided a safe, intuitive, and pleasant space for anyone, regardless of fitness or skill level, to move without having to use cars or tolerate the presence of cars. This takes away the notion that one needs to “brave the city” to be able to commute by bike or by foot.

The Polo Riverwalk is Valenzuela’s, and Metro Manila’s, newest shared ground. The promenade is a statement, proving cities can and will choose their people, prioritize their everyday life, health, and wellness, and focus on building shared spaces over congested roads. In doing so, it strengthens community life and offers a more humane way of experiencing the city.

We’re looking forward to other projects from the city of Valenzuela, where we believe trip chaining can be fun, educational, and worthwhile!