SENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara sought the development of more parks, recreational facilities and open spaces for better mental health.

He cited data from the Department of Health that at least 3.6 million Filipinos are suffering from mental, neurological and substance use disorders, making mental health an issue “that cannot be ignored.”

“Putting up more parks, recreational and sports facilities and including open spaces in urban planning will go a long way in improving the physical and mental well-being of our people, particularly those who reside in highly-urbanized areas,” Angara said.

He urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to make a shift to include the development of parks and recreational facilities in its projects.

“We could expand the concept of public works to include the development of parks, esplanades and other similar projects. Admittedly space is a problem especially with the metropolitan areas but we can always be creative in how we utilize smaller spaces,” Angara said.

“The goal here is to make our people less confined and to encourage them to go out more, engage in physical activities and interact with people,” he added.

Angara said that the availability of safe and walkable streets, lanes for non-motorized transportation, sports and recreational facilities and access to culture and entertainment all help in making local government units livable.

“With a greater focus on these initiatives, we can help in addressing physical and mental health issues and provide our people with an overall better quality of life,” he said.