Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in partnership with the Sentro Artista Hub, on Wednesday unveiled a new art installation in the pedestrian underpass connecting Quezon City Hall and Quezon Memorial Circle.

The project, dubbed as “QC Underparadisso (QC Underparadise)”, is a giant mural painting featuring endangered Philippine flora and fauna that aims to trumpet the call to action of the Quezon City local government to love nature and protect the species in danger of extinction.

In her speech, Belmonte said: “We recognize that all walks of life can learn so much through art. We hope that the QC Underparadisso will be able to raise the awareness of the public, especially the youth, and inspire them to do their share in protecting the environment.”

Among the species featured are the Philippine eagle, tamaraw, pangolin, warty pig, Negros bleeding heart pigeon, tarsier, waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) and alocasia.

“We want our QCitizens to look forward to walking along a beautiful, colorful, and enjoyable underpass where they can take pictures and learn more about nature,” Belmonte added.

The giant artwork was collectively illustrated by internationally-acclaimed muralist A.G. Sano, the Art Atak team, Cosmic Clint, and RKTRS Art Collective.

They were joined by volunteers from Boundless Possibilities Foundation who brought the Gentle Giants, a group of young artists with special needs, talented art students from Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, and art students from UP College of Fine Arts and Central Colleges of the Philippines.

The unveiling of the QC Paradisso was also part of the city’s celebration of Earth Day. (PNA)