Thursday, February 18, 2010

Mayor Manila Lito Atienza: A True Public Servant

As Mayor Manila for almost a decade, Lito Atienza has become one of the major pillars and most powerful figures of Philippine politics. What he has made for his beloved Maynila has catapulted him as one of the well-accomplished and well-loved leaders in the history of Philippine politics.His remarkable resume consists of immeasurable implemented and completed programs, most of which are intended at improving the lives and welfare of Maynila residents particularly the impoverished ones. As city mayor, Atienza also helped transform Maynila into a tourist attraction once again as part of his intent in beautifying his beloved city.

Maynila residents are witnesses on how they were taken good care of former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza through implementation of various programs under his flagship project Buhayin and Maynila.This program was mistakenly thought as a beautification drive which is meant only to transform and revive the city's areas as par of the urban renewal project. On the contrary, the project covers all aspects of social improvement that includes projects on health, knowledge, peace and order, cleanliness and environment, orderliness, livelihood, economic progress, culture and sports. Atienza's mayoralty stint is characterized by drastic developments in social and community levels, improved living conditions and government services and facilities, and a more simplified bureaucratic agency of the city government of Manila.

Being a devout catholic and head of the Pro-Life Philippines, former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza launched Pro-Life programs to voice his opposition on campaigns and programs that supported contraception or abortion or any sex education programs.It also under this crusade that Atienza supported the Rachel's' Support Group, a group of volunteers who have suffered post abortion syndrome and the organization that created the "Tomb of the Unborn" wherein aborted babies are given decent burial and prayers. The former Mayor Manila is also naturally soft for Maynila's elderly and this was evident as he launched the program called Mahal Ko Si Lolo, Mahal Ko Si Lola. This program has given livelihood trainings for the elderly and has helped them enjoy the prime of their lives.

As part of his pledge in empowering women, Atienza founded the Kababaihan ng Maynila, an organization which promotes livelihood program for Maynilas' women. Feeding programs were also established during former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza's term as city mayor.In 1986, he established PAGKAIN Foundation or Pagkakaisa sa Kaginhawahan at Adhikain which provided feeding programs, food subsidies and promotion of awareness on wellness, nutrition and health care to city's poor residents. Atienza has also founded the Home for the Angels, a center that provides child care to abandoned and abused infants.

His significant tenure as Mayor Manila has catapulted him into great reputation in Philippine politics.As his last term was nearing its end, a lot of people have talked about whether he will seek for a higher position or finally exit the tumultuous world of Philippine politics. Atienza credited for his accomplishments in Maynila, was selected as secretary of DENR where he brought his leadership and political will in the agency.Atienza would later figure in a number of projects all of which were aimed to protect and manage our natural resources.

Among his notable projects as DENR secretary was the strict implementation of the Clean Air Act as part of his efforts in cleaning the air. Atienza also worked closely with environment groups such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan in caring our country's rivers and lakes. The former Mayor Manila also vowed to run after illegal loggers and encouraged local officials to close down open dumpsites within their vicinity.Recently, Atienza launched a crackdown on farmers who open burn their farm wastes like rice stalks, grasses and other agricultural wastes. Atienza has also proposed the execution of LPG as the main fuel of public buses plying the metro's thoroughfares.

Former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza is one of the most prominent stalwarts of Philippine politics. Atienza is known as the best mayor the city as ever had due to his commitment in improving the lives of his beloved Maynila people. Atienza launched several programs all of which have significantly helped in the development and improvement of the lives of Manila folks. As DENR secretary, he also achieved success in implementing several environmental programs to protect the country's natural resources.

-Joel Dumayog

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