THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched its “I Love Metro Manila” advocacy that the agency said aims to transform the metropolis into “a more livable, greener and resilient region as Metro Manila enters the ‘New Normal’ period.”
“As we re-open economic activities, now is the time to focus on Metro Manila as a whole with ‘I Love Metro Manila,’” MMDA Chairman Benjamin DC Abalos Jr. during the advocacy’s launch last Saturday.
Recognizing the impact of the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic and the problem of urban decay in the metropolis, the advocacy aims towards urban renewal and provides solution to insufficient “green spaces” in the National Capital Region as well as the united pandemic response among the 17 Metro Manila local government units (LGUs).
“Let us talk about mobility, mass transportation, river ferry, water quality, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, greening and urban spaces, opening parks, pathways along the river, jogging path, pocket gardens, trash traps, culture, film fest, public safety and many others. We shall deal with all of the things that we dream about Metro Manila,” Abalos said citing the projects on the road to Metro Manila’s urban renewal.
Among the initiatives undertaken by the MMDA under its advocacy campaign include the following: “Adopt-a-Park” project in partnership with different LGUs; and, urban re-greening and renewal program, which raises environmental awareness and encourages inclusive and participatory planning among the stakeholders to address urban decay through creation of green public parks and revitalization of Metro Manila ecosystem against rapid urbanization.
The MMDA said its advocacy will also highlight the continued support and participation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and all 16 cities and one municipality comprising Metro Manila. Engagement of all stakeholders in the process is also expected, the MMDA added.
As one of the regional drivers of economic development and home to a significant portion of the country’s population, Metro Manila needs to improve its capacity to recover from the socioeconomic fallout from the pandemic while building its resilience to health emergencies and reducing poverty, according to Abalos.
During the event, the MMDA recognized the concerted efforts of the IATF members and Metro Manila LGUs for the efficient implementation of Covid-19 pandemic response initiatives, making the National Capital Region the first to achieve population protection.
Abalos said that as of November 13, Metro Manila have fully vaccinated 91 percent of its eligible population. It will reach 100.87-percent inoculation rate by December 12 and 104.96-percent inoculation rate by February 12, 2022.
He also recognized the efforts of some private firms helping the government in bolstering its fight against the Covid-19.Meanwhile, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. lauded the MMDA “for delivering invaluable support to the national government’s interventions to address the pandemic.”