A LAW seeking to establish a Philippine National Public Parks System to protect and expand public parks was filed to ensure access to healthy, safe, and enjoyable open spaces across the country.
“The increased heat during summer is a reminder that not all of us have access to properly ventilated and comfortable homes,” said Cong. Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” M. Oducado of 1Tahanan Partylist, who filed House Bill No. 8743 on March 24, 2026.
“Our parks are not luxuries but lifelines for our people and our children. This bill ensures that every Filipino, rich or poor, has fair access to safe and well-managed public spaces,” he continued.
Oducado stressed that according to the World Health Organization recommends at least 9 square meters of green space per person, far above what is available in many cities.
“According to the 2020 Census, only 24.24% of our 42,046 barangays have a public plaza or park. In Metro Manila it is only 20.2%, meaning millions of Filipinos grow up without safe green spaces to breathe, play, and gather,” said Oducado.
HB 8743, entitled “Philippine National Public Parks System Act,” establishes the Philippine National Public Parks System and creates the National and Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) to manage, develop, and fund national and local public parks.
The bill dissolves the National Parks Development Committee and the Nayong Pilipino Foundation and transfers their powers, assets, and responsibilities to NALPA, which will be attached to the Office of the President for budget coordination and will be supported by an initial ₱100 million NALPA Fund and retained park income.
“Rizal Park alone drew 5.7 million visitors in 2023 and reached 121,000 visitors in a single day last New Year’s Day, proving how badly our people need open spaces that are safe, clean, and accessible,” Oducado said, warning that without a clear system, urban growth will continue to eat up the last remaining green areas.
The measure mandates LGUs to identify and develop urban parks and open spaces, grants the public free admission to NALPA parks subject to reasonable rules, authorizes the levy of fees for special activities, allows land acquisition when necessary, and creates a National Parks Institute to train park managers and planners.
“Parks are not just places for picnics,” said Oducado. “They are needed for public health, cleaner air, cooler cities, flood control, tourism, biodiversity protection, and stronger communities, especially as climate change makes cities hotter and more crowded.”
