By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—To promote a more active lifestyle and overall wellness in the community, the Ilocos Norte government plans to establish more three-generational (3G) playgrounds and fitness parks in several schools in the province.
A 3G-park refers to a communal space wherein children, adults and the middle-aged, and seniors can come together and engage in active play or exercise in an environment that is both secure and ripe for recreation.
To date, the provincial government has set up at least five 3G parks: beside the Provincial Capitol and at the municipal parks of Dingras, Badoc, Bacarra and Batac City. Since its public opening in December 2016, hundreds of families gather in these sites, aside from a trip to the malls, to divert children's time and attention from computers and other forms of technology at home.
Funded by the provincial government through its special educational fund, Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc said they are eyeing more or less 12 schools in the province to have its own 3-G park.
However, the Department of Education is yet to identify the schools, said Mr. Manotoc, who is chairperson of the provincial board’s committee on youth and sports.
Mr. Manotoc said the planned 3G parks in schools will remain open to the public even after classes and weekends.
The 3G parks is in line with Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos' vision to transform Ilocos Norte into a province that is “livable, sustainable, and resilient through the provision of recreational activities to strengthen community relations”.