Manila- WCARP Philippines launched the "Adopt-a-Park Project" last March 2, 2008 at the Bonifacio Shrine in cooperation with the City of Manila headed by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim through the Department of Public Recreation Bureau (DPRB) under Engr. Deogracias Manimbo, another successful tie-up program organized in partnership with PSNEI (Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementors, Inc.) and the Bayanihang Kabataan para sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan (BKKB) of World CARP Philippines.

The launching program was participated approximately by more than a thousand NSTP-CWTS Students from different Universities along Metro Manila: Technological University of the Philippines-Manila (300), University of the East -- Manila (200), Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (200), Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Main Campus (200), Philippine Women’s University (100), Adamson University (100) and 100 from other colleges and Universities including the BKKB volunteers.

The opening program started from 7:30 am and shortly ended with the dispersal of areas of responsibility on the project at 8:00 am. A quick but commemorative and inspiring message from the beloved Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim stated that the launching of this program is an attachment of a park-project for the youth and the people. "Park is the place for enjoyment…we need to preserve it!" the mayor said during the formal opening this project. This is a project designed not just to become a grade-basis for the students who attended but as a challenge for them to release the power and aspiration to work through more than the expectations. He also added, "you should be concern on what’s going on in the country…manindigan kayo." Mayor Lim wanted to emphasize the important role of the youth especially the college students for the future of our nation and how it will be progressed economically and politically.

The speech of the mayor was followed by a prayer led by Ms. Judith Manuel from UE-Manila. Then, the Manila City Band for the Philippine National Anthem and Ms. Mary Angel Alastre for the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas. It was formally opened through the Opening Remarks given by Mr. Manuel Perez, the coordinator for NSTP under DPRB in reading the City Mayor’s Official message for the launching of this project. It was followed by Dr. Florida Labuguen, the President of PSNEI for the announcement of the participating institutions. She extended her warmest gratitude also to the principal sponsor, the City of Manila and victory cheers on launching this program. Dr. Labuguen while motivating the participants said, "today, is just the beginning of the venture for the ultimate success of this program."

Engr. Deogracias Manimbo also gave a message stating the camaraderie of the youth and the government towards progress of our country in general and for the city in particular. "The success of this project will realize my vision (for the City of Manila) to be a world-class tourist attraction, an environmentally vibrant". He also added, "may we inspire the youth to aspire for good."

Then for the Closing Remarks, Dr. Aldrin L. Nituma, World CARP Phils. President touched the heart of the college students and strongly expressed the importance of ownership towards the vision of the service project. The participants put hands together and harmoniously sang "If We Hold on Together" led by Annalou Bagusara, student from UE-Manila. The areas of designated for the participants "to adopt" were formally announced through the initiative of Dr. Labuguen.

Here are the designated areas as follows: TUP-Manila and some BKKB Volunteers -- Ninoy Aquino Monument (along Bonifacio Drive); UE-Manila -- Arroceros Villegas Park; EARIST -- Plaza Lawton PUP-Manila -- Leyte and Bataan Mini-Park and Playground along Bacood, Sta. Mesa; PWU -- Paraiso ng Batang Maynila; AdU and other participating schools including the rest of BKKB Volunteers -- Plaza Dilao and Rajah Sulayman Park along Baywalk.

(With reports from Luna, John Julius L. Regional Correspondent)