Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso reaffirmed his plan to convert the Intramuros Golf Course into a forest park, urging Manileños to rally behind the city government’s advocacy for inclusive and sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the Manila Tourism and Cultural Development Plan – Stakeholder’s Consultation and Planning Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 3, Domagoso emphasized that the project’s primary goal is to reclaim the space for the people of Manila and promote inclusive, sustainable urban development.
“Recently, may mga nagwawalang golfer. Akala mo ba sila ang may-ari at karapatan. Nanggalaiti sila na bakit daw gagawing park? Tingnan n’yo ang argument. Talagang mahahalata mo na mga taong makasarili,” Domagoso remarked, stressing that the proposed Intramuros Forest Park is a legacy project meant to benefit not only today’s residents but also future generations.
“Gusto ko lang ipaalam sa inyo, hindi po ako nanghihingi dahil sa kapritso. Hinihingi ko po ang sense of pride ng Manila—to give it back to us,” he added.
Domagoso urged Manileños to rally behind the city government’s advocacy and not turn a blind eye to the initiative.
Opposition and Petition
The proposal has sparked strong opposition from golfers, facility stakeholders, and heritage advocates, who argue that the golf course holds cultural, economic, and historical significance.
A petition titled “Save Club Intramuros Golf Course” has since gained traction, with supporters warning that the conversion could threaten jobs, tourism revenue, and a living piece of Manila’s heritage.
According to the petitioners, the plan not only threatens the jobs of the facility’s employees and the city’s tourism revenue, but also “a living piece of Manila’s heritage.”
“We urge that this plan be reconsidered as we believe that the preservation of the golf course is essential not only to our community but to the cultural, economic, and historic identity of the City of Manila,” the petitioners said in a statement.
“The potential closure of Club Intramuros would put these people at risk of losing not only their jobs but also the dignity and stability that come with them,” the statement read.
Domagoso had earlier presented the conversion plan to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last Oct. 17.
The proposal was developed in consultation with renowned urban planner and architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., with whom the mayor had prior discussions.
“Napag-usapan po namin ni Architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox, Jr. ang ating proposal sa ating Pangulo na gawing forest park ang golf course sa Intramuros. Nakita natin na underutilized ito at iilan lamang ang nakakagamit, kaya panahon na upang mapakinabangan ito ng mas nakararami nating kababayan bilang isang malawak na green space sa Lungsod ng Maynila,” the mayor explained.
The President has yet to issue his decision on the conversion project, saying that he will review the project’s merits and the concerns raised by stakeholders. (Patrick Garcia)
