Dominican First Lady, Gildan Open New Recreational Facilities

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — First Lady Raquel Arbaje, joined by Minister of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM) Yayo Sanz Lovatón and Gildan República Dominicana Vice President Arquímedes George, recently inaugurated a new children's playground and a renovated baseball field.

The new facilities are located in the Bella Vista community of San Antonio de Guerra municipality, Santo Domingo province, providing a safe recreational space for local families.

Gildan invested RD 4.2 million pesos (approximately $71,000 USD) to complete both projects. This marks the 21st intervention under the national initiative, "Recreational Parks: From Industry to Community," led by the First Lady.

To date, the program has generated an approximate total contribution of RD 207.2 million pesos, benefiting communities across the National District and eleven other provinces. Twenty-eight companies have contributed to the initiative.

Arbaje highlighted the program's significant impact in fostering corporate social responsibility among businesses operating within local communities. She expressed her joy at opening the 21st park, emphasizing its role in allowing children to develop and recreate in a suitable environment. The First Lady also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both public and private sectors in making the park a reality.

Minister Sanz Lovatón commended Arbaje's leadership in driving the initiative. He also underscored the MICM's crucial role in facilitating such investments, acting as a channel between the private sector and local communities. "We want strong industries in strong communities. We want spaces where children play and dream. We want a country where progress is seen and felt," Sanz Lovatón stated, encouraging other companies to join the program.

Arquímedes George of Gildan affirmed the park's "invaluable" contribution to community well-being and development. He reiterated Gildan's commitment to supporting educational growth and recognized the positive impact of providing a safe and dignified recreational area for children.

The comprehensive project included the construction of a new children's play area equipped with various games, a main gazebo, benches, and new lighting. Perimeter walls and fences were installed to define the park's boundaries and the baseball field.

Enhancements to the baseball field featured a reconstructed backstop, renovated dugouts with integrated bathrooms and changing rooms, and the installation of new bases in the playing area.

The project emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity, incorporating level pathways for people with disabilities and eight recycling stations. Students from Arcadia Reyes School and Najmeddin Mansour El Fituri High School contributed themed murals, including an ecological one crafted from recycled caps.

The local mayor's office for San Antonio de Guerra complemented the work by repairing surrounding sidewalks, exterior curbs, and maintaining the electrical grid in the area.

Among those present at the inauguration were Maira Noemí Moreno de Flores, Vice Mayor of San Antonio de Guerra; Vice Ministers Gianna Franjul and Johannes Kelner; and Daniel Liranzo, director of the National Council of Free Zones and Export (CNZFE). Father Juan Carlos Muñoz of Santa Teresa de Calcuta parish blessed the new facilities.