According to Philippine lawmaker says more parks, open spaces needed to help Filipinos cope with mental health issues | The Star, Senator Sonny Angara of the Philippines has advocated for the building of more parks, recreational areas, and open spaces to improve mental health among Filipinos, since at least 3.6 million of them suffer from mental, neurological, and drug use illnesses, according to a statement from Senator Sonny Angara’s office on October 20.
According to Angara, there should be more parks and open areas to assist individuals deal with mental health concerns. Mental health is undoubtedly a problem that cannot and should not be disregarded.
Senator Sonny Angara advocated for the building of parks and recreational areas during a recent Senate session on the public works and roads budget, according to Philippine lawmaker says more parks, open spaces needed to help Filipinos cope with mental health issues | The Star.
He also pointed out that the country's Department of Public Works and Highways has already finished paving practically all of its roads and started a number of expensive infrastructure projects that would help the populace.
According to Angara, the objective is to encourage individuals to go outside more, participate in physical activity, and socialize with others in order to help them feel less alone.
Metro Manila came in at position 136 out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2023 Global Liveability Index, a four-place drop from the previous year's rankings.
Angara contended that local government units are more livable when they offer residents access to sports and recreational facilities, culture and entertainment, safe and walkable streets, lanes for non-motorized transportation, and infrastructure in addition to excellent health care, efficient public transportation, and infrastructure.
In order to ensure that there is enough greenery in both urban and rural areas, according to Philippine lawmaker says more parks, open spaces needed to help Filipinos cope with mental health issues | The Star, Angara has filed bills that would require planting trees in parks, school grounds, unused land, and other urbanized sites throughout the Philippines. These bills are intended to encourage the development of open spaces and habitable communities.