Unlock The Pixel Prisoners

ARTICLE: HANAH COLEEN P. REFORMADO | JANUARY 10, 2024

As concrete structures rise, the urban sprawl expands. Rapid urbanization in the country disregards building inclusive and sustainable cities, where the need for green spaces has never been more critical.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), green space is defined as any piece of land partly or completely covered by vegetation. These include parks, community gardens, and other open spaces.

In 2014, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Capital Region said that Metro Manila’s green spaces totaled only 12,152.79, lacking around 80.60 hectares in the whole metropolis.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also declared Manila as a ‘gray cityscape’ due to the prevalence of asphalt and concrete. This can be attributed to extensive commercial and residential projects along with the presence of heavily trafficked roads.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) revealed in a 2018 interview that it continues to clear streets and highways leading to public schools since heavy traffic congestion within school zones not only hampers smooth transportation but also deeply affects children. This means that when children step outside their homes, they are greeted by congested roads and high-rise buildings rather than inviting greenery that fosters creativity and physical activity.

With little to no choice but to visit enclosed places like malls or just stay home, children are increasingly becoming prisoners of pixels.

In May 2023, an Electronics Hub study found Filipinos spend 32.53% of their day on phones, the highest global average, linked to limited access to outdoor activities.

It is alarming to note that the failure to meet current physical activity recommendations is responsible for more than 5 million annual deaths globally. The scarcity of places for recreation forces children into this digital realm, substituting outdoor play with screen time. This shift also exposes them to potential health risks such as childhood obesity.

With the most accessible means of taking a breather relying heavily on private mixed-use spaces, the deterioration of our current urban planning strategies is evident. These are often integrated into malls, which incorporate parks and open spaces in their development.

This underscores a reliance on commercialized environments for public leisure and a need for more inclusive and well-distributed public recreational spaces in our urban planning.

The irony lies in the fact that while malls provide commercial spaces for leisure, they cannot replace the tranquility and health benefits offered by green spaces. It's time to question our priorities: are we building cities for people or for commercialization?

According to the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health (UP-NIH), living environment influences a child’s mental health, physical health, and leisure to play in public spaces like parks, town centers, and even playgrounds. The inherent connection to nature promotes cognitive development, imaginative play, and emotional resilience.

Many countries have successfully integrated green spaces into their urban landscapes. Singapore, for example, is renowned for its meticulous urban planning that seamlessly blends nature with the city. Germany is renowned for its well-maintained parks, urban green belts, and expansive natural reserves which serve as hubs for cultural events, community gatherings, and outdoor activities.

The nurturing of a connection with nature from an early age also instills a sense of environmental stewardship, fostering a generation with a heightened awareness of ecological sustainability. These success stories serve as inspiration for the Philippines, demonstrating that it is possible to have thriving urban areas without sacrificing greenery.

The Philippines stands at a crossroads, where the choices made today will shape the cities of tomorrow. We cannot afford to continue down a path that neglects the importance of green spaces in fostering a harmonious balance between urbanization and nature.

In an era where urbanization is reshaping landscapes, the value of green spaces goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Recognizing their diverse benefits, cities can foster a future where residents experience the advantages of urban living along with physical and economic well-being.

Green spaces for children are not a luxury but a necessity, contributing to health, environmental awareness, and community building. It is time for a collective effort to reshape our urban environments, placing a premium on green spaces that nurture the physical, mental, and social development of our future generations.