MANILA, Philippines – A University of Santo Tomas (UST) Architecture graduate presented his proposed design for the "new face" of Manila Zoo to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
For Kevin Siy, Manila Zoo was a huge part of his childhood. He shared that like most people in his generation, Manila Zoo is a place frequented by family and friends as they enjoyed a fun weekend together. It was Siy's great memories in the zoo that urged him to use it as the subject of his thesis project.
Siy met with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday to present his proposal for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the 5.5-hectare zoo located in Malate.
The Architecture graduate shared that his designs go beyond aesthetics as he personally studied what Manila Zoo and its resident animals need.
Kevin said, "While I was doing my thesis, I spent most of my time in Manila Zoo, understanding its current state. I interviewed staff and observed the animals and the environment they are in."
The 23-year-old graduate realized that his thesis could actually be so much more.
Siy said, "My goal was to design Manila Zoo to make it not just a prime tourist destination and center for education, but at the same time to make it the best environment for the animals; a place that they can experience the great comfort they feel in their natural habitat."
Closure order
Early this year, the Manila Zoo was shut down indefinitely. Then Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the closure after the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found out that it was a major pollutant to the Manila Bay.
It was discovered that Manila Zoo had no sewage treatment plant and was draining its untreated sewage into one of the estuaries leading to Manila Bay.
Hope for Manila Zoo
With new authority in place in Manila, the iconic zoo might just get its second chance.
Domagoso had expressed his strong interest to redevelop Manila Zoo. A known animal lover, the newly-elected mayor said he pities the animals left in the zoo.
He is also looking to turn it to be a family-friendly park, environment- and student-friendly tourist spot.
But due to its violations, Mayor Domagosa said the officials of Manila Zoo needs to secure first the necessary requirements set by the DENR.
— Sally, The Summit Express
For Kevin Siy, Manila Zoo was a huge part of his childhood. He shared that like most people in his generation, Manila Zoo is a place frequented by family and friends as they enjoyed a fun weekend together. It was Siy's great memories in the zoo that urged him to use it as the subject of his thesis project.
 |
| Manila Zoo might soon be redeveloped | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Kevin Siy |
Siy met with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday to present his proposal for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the 5.5-hectare zoo located in Malate.
 |
| The Architecture graduate presented his proposal to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno | Domagoso Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Kevin Siy |
The Architecture graduate shared that his designs go beyond aesthetics as he personally studied what Manila Zoo and its resident animals need.
 |
| Mayor Domagoso wants Manila Zoo to be environment and student-friendly | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Kevin Siy |
Kevin said, "While I was doing my thesis, I spent most of my time in Manila Zoo, understanding its current state. I interviewed staff and observed the animals and the environment they are in."
The 23-year-old graduate realized that his thesis could actually be so much more.
 |
| Siy spend some time at the Manila Zoo to understand and learn | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Kevin Siy |
Siy said, "My goal was to design Manila Zoo to make it not just a prime tourist destination and center for education, but at the same time to make it the best environment for the animals; a place that they can experience the great comfort they feel in their natural habitat."
 |
| Lush greenery and fresh air for the new Manila Zoo | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Kevin Siy |
Closure order
Early this year, the Manila Zoo was shut down indefinitely. Then Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the closure after the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found out that it was a major pollutant to the Manila Bay.
It was discovered that Manila Zoo had no sewage treatment plant and was draining its untreated sewage into one of the estuaries leading to Manila Bay.
Hope for Manila Zoo
With new authority in place in Manila, the iconic zoo might just get its second chance.
 |
| Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso met with Kevin Siy | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Manila City Hall |
Domagoso had expressed his strong interest to redevelop Manila Zoo. A known animal lover, the newly-elected mayor said he pities the animals left in the zoo.
He is also looking to turn it to be a family-friendly park, environment- and student-friendly tourist spot.
But due to its violations, Mayor Domagosa said the officials of Manila Zoo needs to secure first the necessary requirements set by the DENR.
— Sally, The Summit Express
