Go Mayor Lito Atienza

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city's barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government," he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza's spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He's very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn't care about the less fortunate," Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza's candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Lito Atienza And The Things That He Has Done

Actions speak louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had succeeded in doing both.One of the most revered leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor was able to back up his strong words with actions. Staying true to his words and fulfilling his promise of providing his beloved Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for, Lito Atienza has done more things than any of his immediate predecessors.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history Lito Atienza's mayoralty stint is highlighted by numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila was able to achieve.No one has to go that far in evaluating Atienza's performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's term when many poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a true statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza delivered what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks. It was also under his leadership that the city's delivery of social services was at its best. Atienza created pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and improved the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos. He was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He launched training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to provide them with a decent livelihood and a stable source of income. Atienza together with other non-government organizations have launched affordable housing and land acquisition projects for the homeless, which were able to benefit many of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced during his administration. Atienza added more funds for the city's public hospitals and health centers which allowed them to purchase new medical equipment and medicines for enhanced healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents. Atienza was able to bring free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila under Atienza's leadership has had the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza launched sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents.In addition, Atienza also provided free access to education and school supplies to Manila's public school students. Manila's colleges and universities were also improved during his term, as part of fulfilling his promise of providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos. Furthermore, many of the city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits under the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also voted for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat.Manila was also able to enjoy a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza's unrivaled accomplishments during his term make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections. If he wins another three-year mandate in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

Lito Atienza is the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election. Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history and has done more things than any of his predecessors. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Vote Lito Atienza: What He Plans To Do If He Wins

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is hoping for another three-year mandate as city mayor of the nation's capital in a courageous effort to continue his commitment in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza, one of the most revered leaders of the city plans on continuing his flagship programs and priority projects which he was able to successfully start during his tenure. If all things turn out well and if the majority of the Manilenos are wise enough to Vote Lito Atienza, the former mayor will continue to push for the improvement and efficient delivery of basic social services to the residents of the city. Moreover, Atienza plans on continuing his crusade against poverty and has promised to invest all of his efforts in uplifting and developing the lives of the city's impoverished residents.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would give him another three-year mandate, Atienza will launch his platform dubbed as "Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila" which is centered on continuing what he has started during his tenure. In light of this, Atienza has prepared numerous programs and priority projects, all of which are dedicated for addressing all the basic social needs of the city and its residents. Atienza plans to sustain his livelihood programs and effective delivery of basic social services which has benefited much of the city's impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To achieve his goal of uplifting the living conditions of the city's poorest residents, Atienza will be launching programs that would stimulate the city's once-vibrant economy.Atienza plans to attract investors into the city by enhancing the city's infrastructure and peace and order situation.In this way, economic activity in the city will be revived, which can result into job generation for the city's unemployed residents. Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be launched to cater the city's unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income. Moreover, Atienza will also provide employment opportunities for the city's senior citizens who would still want to be employed.

Apart from jobs and employment opportunities creation, Atienza will also continue to address the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform.Atienza will launch and continue programs and projects that will include a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, they will continue to enjoy all the benefits and the services they were able to avail during Atienza's tenure.

If granted another three-year term as city mayor, Atienza hopes to continue providing affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class.As part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services, Atienza plans to enrich the coffers of the city's public hospitals and health centers. This will allow hospitals to purchase new medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines. Healthcare services will also be taken into every barangay via the "Sama sa Masa", a flagship project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city.Atienza will also continue to provide free education and school supplies to the city's public school students. In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila's colleges and universities will also be enhanced. Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be offered to Manila's unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza will also continue to support Manila's budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs. The city's peace and order situation will also be enhanced and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice. As a former environment czar, Atienza will continue to push for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area. Furthermore, Atienza is planning to move forward with his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country.Atienza has promised to enhance and beautify the city's old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila's bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, the former Manila mayor plans to continue his dedication and commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's residents. Atienza's platform is centered on improving local government's delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities as a way of addressing the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza also plans to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk.

-Francis Go

What Lito Atienza Did During His Days As City Mayor?

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is one of the most efficient leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital. His resume speaks of countless accomplishments and completed projects, all of which has benefited his beloved Manilenos. The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical development of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents.A true statesman and a public servant, Atienza is revered by the city's impoverished residents due to his pro-poor programs and priority projects.

Under his leadership as Manila mayor, Atienza has given priority to the delivery of basic social services to the poor. This is particularly evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. Lito Atienza started several flagship programs and priority projects that were all dedicated to the poor.These projects and programs addressed almost all social aspects and needs including housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

A lot of homeless and impoverished Manilenos were given free shelters under Atienza's housing and land acquisition projects. Lito Atienza together with non-government organizations such ad Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity constructed thousands of houses in the 50-hectare Baseco area, all of which were rightfully given to the homeless city residents.Atienza has also launched affordable housing projects for the middle class. The former mayor has created the Nagtahan Housing and UN Gardens which have benefited many homeless middle class families.

To address the healthcare needs of the city residents, Atienza launched Sama sa Masa, a program which provides every barangay with free check ups, free medical services and medicines. Public city hospitals also took benefit from a bigger budget allocation for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines. During his administration, Manila had the lowest crime rates in years. This is due to Atienza's massive effort in ridding the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Public school students have also benefited from free education and school supplies as part of Atienza's program for education, which he believes is the answer to poverty.The city's universities and colleges were also improved during his administration and have benefited the city's youth with an affordable college education. Atienza also supported many potential and young athletes of the city by launching the Manila Youth Games, which has helped these young athletes in getting the necessary training and exposure to competition. Atienza also pushed for the free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. Atienza has lobbied for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is major environment and public safety threat.During the seventies, Atienza founded the Mahal Ko si Lolo, Mahal Ko si Lola movement wherein senior citizens benefited from special services and discounts.

In this coming Philippine elections, Atienza vows to continue what he has successfully initiated during his term as city mayor. Atienza plans to push for the continuous improvement of the delivery of basic social services particularly to the city's poor residents. Moreover, Atienza continues to be committed in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza vows to fulfill his vision of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for.

One of the most accomplished leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital, Atienza during his tenure as city mayor, outlined several flagship programs and priority projects that were all designed to benefit the poor. Atienza has also prioritized the delivery of basic social services to the poor. In this coming Philippine elections, Atienza plans to continue what he has successfully started during his tenure as city mayor.

Anu-ano Ang Mga Programa ni Mayor Lito Atienza?

Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga programa ni Mayor Lito Atienza para sa Maynila.

1. EKONOMIYA- TRABAHO, NEGOSYO AT HANAPBUHAY PARA SA LAHAT
2. PROGRAMANG PABAHAY
3. PROGRAMANG PANGKALUSUGAN
4. PROGRAMANG PANGKATAHIMIKAN
5. PROGRAMANG PANG-EDUKASYON
6. PROGRAMANG PANGKALAKASAN
7. PROGRAMANG ARTS AND CULTURE
8. PROGRAMANG PANG-KALIKASAN
9. PROGRAMANG PANG-SENIOR CITIZENS



EKONOMIYA- TRABAHO, NEGOSYO AT HANAPBUHAY PARA SA LAHAT

Kahirapan ang pinaka mabigat na problema na hinaharap ng ating lipunan, subalit dapat tulungan ang mga mahihirap namaging self-reliant at hindi pala asa sa limos o doleout. Together, we can improve the quality of life of the people of Manila, at matulungan ang maliliit sa pamamagitan ng mga sumusunod:

1. Pagbibigay ng lisensya sa mga pedicab at tricycle drivers.- With this program, mabibigyan natin silang proteksyon mula sa pang-aabuso. Mawawala ang illegal na “tong collection” sa mga lansangan; hahayaan kongmakapag negosyo ang maliliit na negosyante na ng malaya at walang kinatatakutan.

2. Organized Vending-Muli nating aayusin ang mga lugar kung saan makapagtitinda nang maayos ang mga vendor para magingkaaya-aya ito sa mga mamimili.

3. Kooperatiba para sa mahihirap- Bubuksan ito paralamang sa maliliit na negosyante- –mga vendor, drivers, at iba pang ordinary workers. Dito, ang mga miyembro ay makakautang ng salapi na maari nilang magamit sa kanilang hanapbuhay.

4. Pangkabuhayan : Pagtatanim ng herbal plants-We can encourage the people na magtanim nito kung ito’y gagawin nating parang maliit na negosyo. Ang bawat barangay ay makikibahagi sa proyektong ito: ang harvest nila—gaya ng lagundi, oregano, aloe vera, malunggay at tanglad—ay bibilhin ng local na pamahalaan at ibebenta sa mga korporasyon na gumagamit nito. Sa buong mundo, ang demand sa mga nasabing herbal plants ay patuloy na lumalaki.

5. Skills and Livelihood Training-Magkakaroon tayo ng mga short courses tulad ng celphone repair, restaurant and hotel services, haircutting, reflexology, dress making at iba pa.

6. Pera sa Basura-Magtuturo tayo ng tamang paraan ng paggawa ng uling mula sa basura.

Gagawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang matulungan lalo na ang mga mamamayang kulang sa oppurtunidad.


PROGRAMANG PABAHAY

Bubuhayin nating muli ang ating programang pabahay at palupa, kung saan libo-libong tagalungsod ang makinabang. Kung ipinatalo ng kasalukuyang alkalde ang 42 kaso na magbibigay sana ng lupa sa mahihirap, ipinangangako kong muli nating bubuhayin ang mga kasong ito at ipaglalaban upang mapunta sa mahihirap ang mga lupaing ito.

Sa tulong ng Gawad Kalinga at Habitat for Humanity, libu-libong bahay ang aming naitayo noon sa Baseco, isang reclaimed area sa Maynilana may 50 hektarya ang laki. Nais ko ring gawin ito sa iba pang lugar na gaya ng Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 at 2, at iba pa.

We will also continue the affordable housing program for the “middle class,” gaya ng naitayo nang Nagtahan Housing at UN Gardens.


PROGRAMANG PANGKALUSUGAN

Hospitals are for people. The present mayor boasts that he has built several new hospitals. Subalit aanhin natin ang mga ospital kung wala naming doktor, equipment o gamut na ibinibigay sa may sakit? Noon, 50 million pesos ang budget ng city government para lamang sa mga gamot. Dadagdagan pa natin ito upang ang mga ospital sa ating lungsod ay tunay na makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa mga tao.

Itutuloy din natin ang programang “Sama sa Masa” kung saan ang mga duktor ang bumababa sa bawat barangay upang mabigay ng free check up at mga gamot sa mga taga-lungsod. Mayroon din tayong libreng salamin, pustiso at operasyon sa mga may katarata.


PROGRAMANG PANGKATAHIMIKAN

Nang panahon ko bilang alkalde, bumaba ang level ng krimen sa Maynila. Muli na naman itong tumaas sa kasalukuyang lokal na pamahalaan. Ang droga ang pinakamalaking problema sa Maynila ngayon. Seventy percent ng mga krimen ay drug-related. Paano maaayos ang problemang ito, kung ang anak mismo ng kasalukuyang alkalde, si Manny Lim ay nahuli ng PDEA nung 2008, ay kasama sa problema? Sa loob mismo ng City Hall ng Maynila piñata ang alkalde ng Tarlac noong 2007. Paano maipatutupad ng administrasyong ito ang peace and order sa lungsod kung ang sarili niyang tahanan at opisina ay di niya kayang linisin?

We want Manila to be one of the “safest places” in the entire country, kung saan ang ating mga tao, matanda man o bata, ay nabubuhay nang walang takot at di nanganganib sa kanilang kaligtasan. Nagawa na nating pababain ang krimen noon. Mapapababa pa natin ito muli.

PROGRAMANG PANG-EDUKASYON

It has been said often enough, and proven, that education is one of the most vital keys to reducing poverty. Pinagpahalagahan natin ito kaya’t inalagaan natin ang ating mga public schools. Tumulong tayo sa mga mag-aaral sapamamagitan ng libreng edukasyon, school bags, notebooks at patinarin ang sapatos. Pinalakas at pinaganda natin ang Unibersidad de Manila at ang Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

Nagkaroon din tayo, at ating ibabalik, ang “non-formal education” kung saan ang mga di nakapagtapos na mga nanay, tatay at out of school youth can complete their degree in a short time. Nagkaroon din tayo ng mga vocational at technical courses for high school students kung saan makapaghahanap buhay na sila matapos ang mga kursong ito. Isasailalim natin ito sa programang “Alternative Education”.

Ipagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang pagbibigay ng scholarships para sa mahihirap. Ginawa na natin ito. Hayaan ninyong ipagpatuloy natin ito.


PROGRAMANG PANGKALAKASAN

Nagkaroon na tayo noon ng taunang “Manila Youth Games” kung saan ang mga kabataan ay binigyan ng opportunities to train and compete saiba’t ibang larangan ng sports. Palalawakin at pagbubutihin pa natin ito.

Susuportahan ko ang mga maliliit namanlalaro, gaya ng suportang na ibigay ko kay Manny Pacquiao. Nais kong makita ang ating kabataan na gaya ni Pacquiao ay maging “world class” na manlalaro din.


PROGRAMANG ARTS AND CULTURE


Sa pamamagitan ng Hiyas ng Maynila Dance Company at ng Hiyas ng Maynila Childrens Choir naitinatag ko noong ako’y alkalde pa, magtataguyod tayo ng higit pang maraming mga kabataan sa iba’tibang performing arts. Gaya ng dati, ang mga kabataang ito ay tatanggap ng allowance habang nagte-training sa pagsayaw at pagkanta. Naniniwala akong ang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga taga-Maynila, ay may likas na magaling sa pag-awit at pag-sayaw. Ang ating mga scholars ay hinuhubog ng pinakamagaling na mananayaw na sina Eddie Elejar at Luther Perez, at mang-aawit na si Lemuel dela Cruz.


PROGRAMANG PANG-KALIKASAN

Hindi tayo titigil hanggang hindi natin nababawi ang pinirmahan ng kasalukuyang alkalde kung saan ang Oil Depot sa Pandacan was allowed to stay on without conditions, sa kabila ng panganib na dulot nito sa public safety at kalikasan. Matagal kong ipinaglaban na sila ay mapatalsik sa pagkat naiintidihan ko ang maaaring mangyari sa buong lungsod sakaling pasabugin ng mga terorista, o magkaroon ng aksidente, ang oil depot. Di ito papayagan ng kahit na sinong matinong gobyerno. Alam kong hindi madaling lumaban sa malalaking negosyanteng ito, but we will do it and we will not stop hanggang hindi natin napapaalis ang Oil Depot sa Pandacan. Ito ay isang pangako. Kapag napaalis nanatin ang oil depot, we will develop this place para tunay na pakinabangan ng buong Maynila.

Ipagpapatuloy ko ring linisin ang Pasig River, Manila Bay at mga estero sa buong Kamaynilaan.

Itutuloy natin at palalawakin ang tree-planting sa lahat ng mga strategic places.


PROGRAMANG PANG-SENIOR CITIZENS

Noong mid-seventies, itinatag ko ang samahang “Mahal Ko si Lolo, Mahal Ko si Lola” kung saan ang ating mga nakatatanda ay nakakuha ng mga special services and discounts. Ang advocacy na ito ay lumawak na, at nagging batas pa sa buong bansa. Kelan lamang ay pinirmahan pa ang expanded na version nito. Sa Manila, patutunayan nating ang lungsod na ito ang tunay na nagkakalinga sa mga elderly. Dadagdagan natin ang centers for old people na puntahan ng ating mga lolo at lola upang makapaglibang sa paglalaro ng chess, ballroom dancing, gateball, at iba pa.

Palalawakin pa natinang programang ito upang sila ay makakuha pa ng iba’t-ibang benepisyo gaya ng libreng panonood ng sine, libreng check up at gamot; pati narin ang programang pagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa mga retirees na nais pang magtrabaho o mag-volunteer work sa barangay.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza's Political Poster

Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza's political poster
together with his running mate Bojay Isip-Garcia
and presidential candidate Joseph Estrada.

Lito Atienza's political platform and his next projects inManila.

Pandacan Oil Depot, Baywalk, And The Railroad

By Neal Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:28:00 03/23/2010

THE PANDACAN OIL DEPOT, BAYWALK AND traffic were again the topics of discussion among political leaders of Manila and Parañaque last Monday. Reps. Amado Bagatsing of Manila and Eduardo Zialcita of Parañaque, and former Manila Councilor Ali Atienza, representing his father, former Mayor Lito Atienza who was busy escorting Manny Pacquiao in a homecoming motorcade, were the guests at the Kapihan sa Manila. Bagatsing is running for reelection, Zialcita is running for mayor of Parañaque, and Atienza is campaigning for his father.

The three agreed that the depot should be relocated as it poses a danger to residents of Pandacan in case of fire or a terrorist attack on the depot.

But where? Anywhere the oil companies like, was the answer.

The depot was the subject of controversy when the city government told the oil companies to relocate it because of the danger it poses to Pandacan residents. The oil firms resisted, claiming that relocation would be expensive and that the prices of fuel may have to be raised as a result.

But they will make a lot of money by selling the land to a mall or a land developer, the politicians said. Mall owners and land developers would outbid one another to buy that land. Contrary to common belief, the oil companies, not the city of Manila, own the land on which the depot stands.

Relocating the depot, at enormous expense, won’t solve the problem, however. The oil tanks can be relocated on vacant land—but only in the beginning. In due time, people will build their homes closer and closer to the depot, as what happened in Pandacan, and the same problem will crop up again.

The solution, as I see it, is to relocate the depot on reclaimed land in the middle of Manila Bay so that squatters cannot get close to it. Also, in case of fire, it would not spread to nearby communities and there would be plenty of water to put it out. Furthermore, oil and fuel can be barged in and out of the depot instead of being serviced by hundreds of tankers that clog the roads leading to and away from it. And when the oil companies need more space, all they have to do is reclaim more land from the sea. They can even build a pier where ocean-going oil tankers can load and unload oil and fuel.

What to do with the land once the depot leaves it was the next area of discussion.

That’s up to the buyer. Most likely, a shopping mall and high-rise condominiums would be constructed there to maximize the use and its investments. That would lead to the development of the Pandacan area and provide jobs to its residents. Being beside the Pasig River, the area provides a lot of opportunities for development, probably making it the New Orleans of Asia.

Furthermore, transportation would be plentiful. Besides land transportation, the mall and surrounding community can be serviced by ferryboats.

The politicians believe that medium-rise residential buildings should be reserved for the local residents who would provide the work force for the commercial establishments there.

What about Baywalk? When he was mayor, Atienza allowed the construction of many cabanas-cum-restaurants along the strip of Roxas Boulevard nearest the sea. When Alfredo Lim became mayor, he removed these cabanas because of complaints that they blocked the view of the famous Manila Bay sunset and that the noise disturbed the nearby residents. That is not a commercial area. That is an area for relaxation, City Hall said.

But Ali Atienza said that if his father becomes mayor again, he would restore the cabanas. A board walk would be constructed on the other side of the breakwater, he said.

But the cabanas would still block the view of the sunset, some critics said. And the noise would come back. Plus Roxas Boulevard would be clogged again with traffic.

Perhaps a ferry system on Manila Bay to service not only Baywalk but other communities along the bay can be set up. In fact, the ferry to Cavite can be revived, thus relieving the coastal roads of traffic jams.

To pursue this further, the Philippines, being an archipelago, should have efficient ferry systems nationwide. The Manila ferry on the Pasig River should be expanded and given incentives to make the ride more comfortable. The ferry will relieve the narrow roads of Metro Manila of land traffic. Also, the ferry can provide the lakeshore communities of Rizal and Laguna with another transportation system besides their narrow, traffic-choked roads.

A ferry through the Tenejeros-Tullahan River from Bulacan to Manila will relieve the congestion on MacArthur Highway. Boats and barges used to ply this river to take passengers and commerce to and from Bulacan and points north. Flat-bottomed barges, called “cascos”, carrying salt, rice, nipa shingles, and vinegar were poled along the river to and from Bulacan. We used to wait on the riverbank for these barges to buy what we needed.

When the Americans enticed us to buy their land vehicles instead, the barges and ferries faded away, and now our roads are choked with imported vehicles wasting precious dollars on fuel. Our boat-building industry has died. Imagine an archipelagic nation not having a boat-building industry and dependent totally on imported land vehicles.

Another mode of transportation we have neglected is the railroad. Anywhere in the world, in rich countries and poor, the railroad is the cheapest and most efficient means of transportation for both passengers and cargo. We used to have an efficient railroad from La Union to Albay up to the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal. Alas, the railroad was neglected by succeeding presidents. It is only now that there are feeble efforts to revive it. The next president should not only revive it but expand it.

Atienza Hits Lim For Reversing His Policies

By Joel Caballero
ANC
Posted: 03/19/2010 7:22 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza is seeking the mayoralty post in Manila once again.

In an interview in ANC's Headstart, he alleged that incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim has no plans to develop the city, and has only occupied himself in putting up various restrictions throughout the city.

Atienza also lashed at Lim for stopping various programs under his administration.

"What Manila needs today is a genuine development plan that will provide opportunities for a healthy business climate, economic development, employment and the correct philosophy of governance. Di pwede yung bawal-bawal. Every time the mayor says bawal, it only adds to corruption because pag pinagbawal mo. Lagay dito, lagay doon," Atienza said.

("What Manila needs today is a genuine development plan that will provide opportunities for a healthy business climate, economic development, employment and the correct philosophy of governance. You can't keep saying this is illegal or that's illegal. Every time the mayor says it's illegal, it only adds to corruption because if you say it's illegal, it will lead to bribes.")

Lito Atienza claimed the city government lost a lot of revenue when Lim ordered the closure of bars, restaurants and other shops in Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard.

"It injected life in Malate, Ermita, Remedios, Intramuros, and all those parts in Manila boomed in development. High-rise buildings were put up, investments rolled in. Can you imagine all the employment and economic opportunities which were lost because of that one single act which I cannot understand?" Atienza said.

Pandacan oil depots

The former mayor also criticized Lim for allowing oil depots in Pandacan to stay. He believes the potential danger posed by the depots is discouraging businessmen from investing in the city.

"How can Manila now develop if you have a place where you have 300 million liters of gasoline at any given time and the age of terrorism is in our midst? You cannot afford to endanger properties and, of course, you are discouraging investments. No serious investor will go to that part of Metro Manila where you have an oil depot beside you," Atienza said.

Lito Atienza believes his relationship with Lim turned sour after Lim lost in his presidential bid in 1998.

"Maybe, out of bitterness. He lost and I won [as city mayor], and he told everybody: 'Si Atienza, hindi ako sinuportahan' (Atienza didn't support me). That's false," Atienza said.

ANC's Headstart tried to contact Mayor Lim but he was unavailable for comment.

Mayor Of Manila And Bringing Back The City's Beloved Leader

Among the most prominent political figures who joined the Manila elections is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza is considered as one of the early frontrunners in the mayoralty race due to his years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record. Atienza has had an illustrious political career which has spanned for almost four decades now, a clear indication on how he has lived his life as a statesman and public servant. Atienza's stint as Manila mayor is characterized by a radical transformation of the city's old and forgotten tourist areas, and the improved living conditions of city folks.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, who holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the well-loved leaders in the city's rich political history. His resume boasts of having numerous achievements and completed projects which have benefited a lot of Manilenos.As a way to fulfill his vision of giving the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for; the former mayor of Manila is launching a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat. Atienza will continue his devotion in serving his beloved city and its residents under his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila."

The former mayor of Manila will continue his battle against poverty and will try to improve the living conditions of the city's impoverished residents.For him, improving the living conditions of the city's residents should begin within the ranks of the local government through an effective delivery of basic services.Atienza plans to push for the improved delivery of basic services especially to Manila's poorest residents. To achieve his goal, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza has penciled numerous livelihood and economic projects to uplift the living conditions within the city.

As part of his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila.", Atienza has promised an improved delivery of basic services as a way of extending the local government's help in uplifting the lives of the city folks.Atienza plans on spearheading several programs aimed to benefit the city's poorest residents. These programs will cover a wide array of services including housing programs, improved healthcare services, enhanced peace and order situation, access to education, sports development, improving the arts and culture, caring for the nature and welfare of the citizens. Some of these projects have already been started by Atienza during his tenure as Manila mayor.

Atienza will continue to provide affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the poor. With the help of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, Atienza plans to build affordable houses in the city's poorest sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, and Baseco. Improved healthcare services are also among the main priorities of Atienza. Atienza will push for a higher budget allocation for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines, and to sustain the city's free healthcare services including free check ups and medicines.

Atienza also plans to hunt down drug traffickers and syndicates as part of improving the peace and order situation of the city. The former mayor will also utilize a huge portion of the city's resources into education to sustain the delivery of free education, free school supplies, affordable college education and alternative education that offers vocational and technical courses for all Manilenos. The development of sports, culture and arts will also be one of the key projects of Atienza as a way of as a way of extending the city government's support to the talented and promising residents of Manila. As a former Environment secretary, Atienza will also promote policies which can ensure the protection of nature as well as of the public including the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan. Senior citizens can also enjoy great discounts and other benefits as part of Atienza's program dedicated for the welfare of the older citizens of the city.

-Ulysees Ong

Buyahin Nating Muli Ang Maynila And Atienza's Livelihood And Economic Agenda

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, one of the most respected and beloved leaders of the city; is seeking for another successful bid at the city's mayoralty seat which he vacated after completing a full term.The only mayor in the city's rich history to complete a full term, Lito Atienza has vowed to continue his dedication and commitment in building the city and uplifting the lives of the Manilenos. Under his program, "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila", Atienza has planned on launching several infrastructure projects and livelihood programs which are dedicated to benefit the city's residents.

The program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila" of Lito Atienza is part of fulfilling the former mayor's vision of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for.To achieve this goal, the former Manila mayor has vowed to continue his livelihood and economic projects to improve the living conditions within the city. Atienza plans on providing the city residents with a better chance of improving their lives through job creation, livelihood programs, decent shelter, and education and learning opportunities.Moreover, Atienza has promised to exhaust all the possible means to help the city's unemployed residents and provide them with employment opportunities. "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila" will focus the city's economy which is seen by Atienza as the effective solution against poverty and can help in advocating self-reliance among the city's impoverished residents.Among the top economic agenda of Lito Atienza is to provide employment opportunities for the city's unemployed and provide the necessary financial support for small and medium enterprises which can fuel job creation. The economic program will be composed of numerous projects, all of which are meant to help improve the quality of life of the people of Manila particularly those who are impoverished.

Lito Atienza has vowed on protecting the rights and interests of the pedicab and tricycle drivers by requiring them to secure a license. With this program, illegal activities like unlawful collections and extortions from these small operators and drivers will be prohibited.Atienza has also promised to organize the vendors operating within the city. Atienza will be introducing an organized vending program in which vendors will be relegated to operate in certain areas only, as a way to improve the convenience of their customers and to help these vendors earn more.

To help the city's small entrepreneurs including vendors, drivers and ordinary workers, Atienza will also create cooperatives where members can avail of loans and capital for their livelihood.Atienza also plans to promote the raising of herbal plants as a livelihood alternative for the city's residents.In this program, every barangay will take part in the planting of herbal plants like lagundi, oregano, aloe vera, malunggay and tanglad. The collected herbal plants will be acquired by the local government and will be sold to the companies who use them.

Lito Atienza will also provide skills and livelihood training for the city's unemployed residents. Skills and livelihood training will include short courses on cellphone repair, restaurant and hotel services, haircutting, reflexology, dress making and many more. Atienza will also introduce waste management programs that can generate money.Under this program, residents will be educated on the proper way to make charcoal from wastes as a way of providing them with livelihood.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza under his program, "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila", has vowed to continue his crusade against poverty and as well as his commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. Atienza plans to focus on the city's economy which he views as the immediate solution to address the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has pledged several programs which are designed to provide employment and livelihood opportunities to the city's unemployed and impoverished.

-Ulysees Ong

Mayor Of Manila: Atienza To Push For Housing, Peace And Order, And Education

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza will continue his commitment in serving his beloved city and dearest Manilenos. The former mayor of Manila has decided to join the Manila elections to continue what he has done for the city and its residents after completing a full nine-year term. The only mayor of Manila who has served a full term, Atienza will seek another three-year mandate as city mayor to fulfill his dream of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for. Atienza one of the most admired leaders of the city, promised to continue his livelihood programs and effective delivery of other services which has benefited much of the city's impoverished residents during his stint as city mayor.

Being a true statesman and a public servant, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza's platform "Buhayin Nating Muli and Maynila" will prioritize the social welfare and development of Manila's residents. One of the foremost priorities of the former mayor of Manila is to improve the local government's delivery of basic social services. In light of this, Atienza has laid out a number of programs and flagship projects, all of which will benefit the poor residents of Manila. These programs and projects cover a wide array of social areas and includes programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order and education.

Under Atienza's administration, Manila's poor residents were given free housing and land ownership under the former mayor's housing and land for the landless projects.With the assistance of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat For Humanity, thousands of houses were built in Baseco, a 50-hectare reclaimed area dedicated for the city's housing programs. Atienza plans to continue the same massive housing projects in Manila's impoverished sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, among other.Middle class families are also set to benefit from affordable housing programs to be launched by Atienza.

Health care services is also among the foremost concerns of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza has vowed to increase the budget allocated for the procurement of medical equipment and medicine to improve the delivery of healthcare services."Sama sa Masa", a priority project of Atienza wherein doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city; will also be sustained. Atienza will also e providing Manila residents with free dental and eye care.

Improving the peace and order situation in the city is also a major concern of Atienza. Lito Atienza has pointed out that illegal drugs are the major culprit of crimes in the city. As an immediate solution and to lower down the city's crime rates, Atienza has vowed to run after drug syndicates and criminals. Atienza looks forward to providing Manilenos with a peaceful environment wherein anyone can live without fear and unmindful of their safety.

Atienza also believes that quality education is the key for poverty alleviation and upliftment of the lives of the impoverished. Atienza vowed to continue providing public school students with free education, school supplies and even school shoes.Manila's public universities like Unibersidad de Manila and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila will also be enhanced to provide the city residents with an affordable and quality college education. Lito Atienza will also bring back his non-formal education program wherein unemployed parents and out of school youth can complete their degree in a short time. Under Atienza's flagship program called Alternative Education, high school students can have access to vocational and technical education which can help them in finding future employment.The handing out of scholarships and other subsidies to students will also be continued as part of the former mayor's platform for education.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is seeking another three year mandate in this coming Manila elections to continue his commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. Atienza plans to improve of the local government's delivery of basic services which he views as the solution to the poverty incidence in the city. The former mayor of manila has outlined several programs for housing, peace and order and education which are designed to benefit the city's poorest residents.

-Ulysees Ong

Lito Atienza For Manila Mayor - The Best For Manila

In the approaching Manila elections, a prospect with supreme pro life advocacy has indicated his desire to lead Manila to a new beginning. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor is a motto which represents a suitable chapter to the vast history of Manila. His place in Philippine politics is a lofty one, and this he shares with his family background. In the upcoming Manila elections, it would be hard to go against this man.

Lito Atienza is a god-fearing Roman Catholic, who's also President of Pro-Life Philippines. Collectively with his spouse, this candidate for the Manila elections acquired international prominence in Rome as an official delegate in the Pontifical Council for the Family. He was given a standing ovation for underlining that the Philippines has the highest percentage of citizenry who values life, family and the elderly. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor thinks of pro-life measures in our society.

Even during his former incumbency in Philippine politics in the City of Manila, he opposed all forms of contraception or abortion or sex education programs. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor would intend for an establishment that will be utterly pro-life from top to bottom. We should vote for this man during the Manila elections if we oppose abortion or those who are contrary to natural conception. The state of Philippine politics would certainly need a religious leader who has values such as him.

To bolster up the Lito Atienza for Manila mayor credentials, he constituted Rachel's Support Group, a group of volunteers who bore post abortion syndrome. This group of this amazing candidate for the Manila elections held counseling to women contemplating abortion and aimed at discouraging them from doing so. Because of his attempts in Philipine politics, thousands of women were afforded the right perspective and thousands of babies were saved. These are simply few of the causes why Lito Atienza for Manila mayor should be a battle cry.

Lito Atienza for certain belongs to the old guard tradition of Philippine politics. But he dwells in the dependable slope of this vein of the political universe. He has a strong educational background, with kin who are responsible public servants like himself. Apart from this, he has the core values of pro-life rationales which establishes him a virtuously upright potential mayor.

Come balloting day, these accomplishments of Lito Atienza are placed at the forefront of our consciousness. We have a potential mayor who is pro-life, who is socially conscious, and who is helpful. We have a potential mayor who grew up in the city, and whose grandest ambition is to make it great. If you are a member of the electorate of the City of Manila, the most legitimate matter is to go for this man.

Lito Atienza for Manila Mayor? There would be no finer choice for mayor during this upcoming Manila Elections. Philipipne politics has had its fair share of top caliber public servants and Lito Atienza is one of them. He is a pro life advocate and even grew up in the city. It is his dream aspiration to lead to city to the promised land of greatness where it previously stood on a pedestal before.

Lito Atienza - Champion Of Neglected Children

Lito Atienza is presently a part of the list of nominees who will enter in the elections for Manila mayor. These Manila elections, yet once again, would be a proof of the aptitude of the discernment of the electorate to pick a candidate who is worthy of the demanding needs of the colorful city. In terms of qualifications, maybe there is no one else who conforms to the post more other than Lito Atienza. And among those who will contend for mayor in the Manila elections, no one probably has assisted more.

In 1992, even as a Vice-Mayor, Lito Atienza founded with his wife Beng the "Home for the Angels," a child care center for deserted and abused infants. He created this out of his absolute belief that nobody should feel unwanted. He also acknowledges that some conditions might forcefully break up a parent from his child and this is why he created this shelter for them. The center furnishes sustenance and all the love which these children could ever need.

This center is the paradigm of the good heart of Lito Atienza. This is what voters should be aware of during the Manila elections. To a certain sense, we are all youngsters of the city, needing somebody like Lito Atienza to conduct us in a city in which himself saw burnt to ashes and which he wants to see rise again to elusive prominence. Such efforts should not be blanked out and should be at the centerpiece during the elections for Manila Mayor.

It would be virtuously good if voters during the elections for Manila mayor would pick someone who was vocally against abortion. The stance of Lito Atienza as one of the fathers of Home for the Angels has consistently been that abortion is the ultimate child abuse and must be stopped at all costs. The Home of the Angels is a center meant to be action oriented and serves as the back up solution to anti-life challenges. It is a concrete symbol and reservoir of hope at the same sentence for a lot of people.

During these Manila elections, let us not forget that the Home for the Angels has been a logical crisis home for abortion survivors and has helped many neglected, abused and exploited infants ever since it was founded fourteen years ago. It has helped many victims and expected victims have a new set of lives and all of these is due to the merciful heart of Lito Atienza. The elections for Manila mayor would surely be a half-baked race if it did not let in a choice such as him. The post of Manila mayor is a position of action coupled with great promises.

A total of 301 babies were assisted and accepted for case management and crisis intervention from year 1996 to the present and a total of 4,371 men, women and teenagers were assisted and referred through crisis intervention by phone and walk-in referrals from 2006 to the present in the center. A total of 356 students and private individuals were attended to and furnished with Respect for Life Orientation while a total of 314 children ages 0-6 years old for Early childhood care and Development were served in alternative Day Care services through the Learn and Play Outreach Program. These are deeds of a man who certainly deserve to win in the Manila elections. In the elections for Manila Mayor, these are deeds of a man that should be up there when we use our discernment.

Lito Atienza is one of the most upright citizens of our country. It is with such great enthusiasm that the electorate welcomes him for the Manila elections. During these elections for Manila mayor, his deeds of heroism towards our society's forgotten individuals will not be forgotten. The Home For The Angels is an establishment which he founded in order to share his vision that no individual should be deprived of care and love.

Lito Atienza For Manila Mayor

In the approaching Manila elections, a prospect with supreme pro life advocacy has indicated his desire to lead Manila to a new beginning. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor is a slogan which represents a proper chapter to the vast history of Manila. His base in Philippine politics is a soaring one, and this he shares with his family background. In the upcoming Manila elections, it would be hard to go against this man.

Lito Atienza is a devout Roman Catholic, who is also President of Pro-Life Philippines. In collaboration with his spouse, this campaigner for the Manila elections gained international prominence in Rome as an official delegate in the Pontifical Council for the Family. He was honored with a standing ovation for emphasizing that the Philippines has the highest percentage of citizenry who values life, family and the elderly. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor thinks of pro-life measures in our society.

Even on his former term of office in Philippine politics in the City of Manila, he opposed all forms of contraception or abortion or sex education programs. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor would signify an administration that will be absolutely pro-life from top to bottom. We should vote for this man during the Manila elections if we oppose abortion or those who are contrary to natural conception. The state of Philippine politics would for sure need a spiritual leader who has values such as him.

To bolster up the Lito Atienza for Manila mayor credentials, he constituted Rachel's Support Group, a group of volunteers who bore post abortion syndrome. This group of this astonishing nominee for the Manila elections held counseling to women contemplating abortion and aimed at discouraging them from doing so. Because of his efforts in Philipine politics, thousands of women were given the right perspective and thousands of babies were saved. These are simply few of the causes why Lito Atienza for Manila mayor should be a battle cry.

Lito Atienza for certain belongs to the old guard tradition of Philippine politics. But he belongs to the good side of this vein of the political population. He has a secure educational scope, with kin who are responsible public servants like himself. Aside from this, he has the core values of pro-life precepts which makes him a morally good potential mayor.

Come voting day, these achievements of Lito Atienza are directed at the vanguard of our consciousness. We have a possible mayor who is pro-life, who is socially conscious, and who is helpful. We have a potential mayor who grew up in the city, and whose grandest ambition is to make it great. If you are a member of the electorate of the City of Manila, the most logical thing is to go for this man.

Lito Atienza for Manila Mayor - this is a slogan that is apt for what the city of Manila needs nowadays. The Manila elections are coming and the carnival has started again. Philippine politics will have its share of reliable ones while also giving its population of looney and wrong choices. Lito Atienza belongs to the latter and there is no further proof of this other than his pro life advocacy.

-Joel Dumayog