Friday, February 26, 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 done for his beloved Maynila has made him 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 encompasses all aspects of social development 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 radical developments in social and community levels, improved living conditions and government services and facilities, and a more basic 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 which has opposed campaigns and programs that supported contraception or abortion or any sex education programs. It also under this movement 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 also has a natural soft spot for Maynila's elderly and this was evident as he launched the program called Mahal Ko Si Lolo, Mahal Ko Si Lola. This program provided livelihood trainings for the elderly and has helped them enjoy the prime of their lives.

As part of his vow in empowering women; Atienza established 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 created 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 poorest residents.Atienza has also founded the Home for the Angels, a center that provides child care to forsaken and ill-treated 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 expressed their opinions on whether he will seek for a higher position or finally exit the tumultuous world of Philippine politics.Atienza recognized for his achievement in Maynila, was appointed secretary of DENR where he brought his leadership and political will in the agency. Atienza would later spearhead a number of projects all of which were aimed to protect and manage our natural resources.

Among his distinguished projects as DENR secretary was the strict execution of the Clean Air Act as part of his efforts in cleaning the air. Atienza also worked with environment groups such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan in protecting 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 planned the implementation of LPG as the main fuel of public buses plying the metro's thoroughfares.

One of the most prominent figures in Philippine politics is former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza. Atienza has served the people of Maynila well as evident in the programs he has launched and implemented, all of which have significantly helped in the development and improvement of the lives of Manila folks. After serving a three-year full term as city mayor, Atienza also served as DENR secretary where he achieved success in implementing several environmental programs to protect the country's natural resources.

-Joel Dumayog

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