Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike T. Defensor said there is a growing need to improve certain places in the city designated as centers tourism to make them more attractive and beneficial to the local government and to the residents of the city who will be directly benefited with additional livelihood and employment opportunities.

In a dialogue with residents of Districts 3 and 4 who flocked to his headquarters, Defensor discussed the possibility of putting up a “Night Zoo’ at the Parks and Wildlife Center along Elliptical Road that will invigorate tourism in the city and generate employment for city residents.

“This project will focus not only on tourism but it will also translate into jobs and employment opportunities for our people that will surely benefit the local government, stated Defensor.

Defensor expressed his readiness to coordinate and enter into a partnership with the government agency he once headed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to implement this proposed project for the city.

He also expressed confidence that local and foreign tourists will flock places in the city like the Parks and Wildlife Center if they will be transformed into first class tourist sites.

“The growth of tourism in the city requires the administration’s commitment and the political will to implement changes that will propel growth and development. I firmly believe that with every business venture that will be started in the city, however big or small, will help provide livelihood opportunities for the citizens of Quezon City,” added Defensor.

At present, aside from taking care of the welfare of the animals and the facilities of the Parks and Wildlife Center, Defensor is also eyeing the possibility of putting up a night market and other added attractions to transform the place into a major tourist destination while also maintaining environmental concerns and the peace and order situation not only in the said area but in the whole city as well. #