MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has confirmed that the Metropolitan Theater will be opened again to the public starting March 2020.

The assurance was made by Moreno after checking on the renovation works on the Metropolitan Theater as the city hall responded to calls to revitalize and restore the historic theater.

Moreno added that management and renovation works of the theater is under the care of to the city government and so rehabilitation efforts are now in full swing in time for next year’s recommissioning.

The mayor also said more parking slots will be provided for patrons of the Metropolitan Theater so they do not have worry now where to park their vehicles unlike before.

Today’s young generation he claimed “can imagine their grandparents watching before “Sarswela’s” at the Metropolitan Theater in yesteryears on stage.

The mayor added that under the plan is an expansion of the Arroceros Park and link it into the theater.

He also said that the design would reduce smoke in Lawton specifically across from the Metropolitan Theater through the vertical garden that is to be installed.

Moreno thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for the agency’s response to the revival of the theater under the Office of the President. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)