MMDA hires 4,000 workers, seeks more



By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The number of workers trained and employed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under the "Trabaho, Trabaho" program of President Arroyo has risen to 4,000.


MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando congratulated the job applicants who made the grade as he stressed the President’s desire to uplift the living standards of the poor and the needy.

Fernando said the agency is still offering slots to those who wish to avail themselves of the President’s employment program.

In return, Fernando said the MMDA expects the new recruits to pursue excellence and perform at the highest possible level through hard work, patience, and determination.

Yesterday, the MMDA interviewed 500 more prosp.ective recruits for carpenters, masons, gardeners, painters, sidewalk clearing personnel, street sweepers and other workers.

However, the newly hired workers expressed apprehension on the prospect of being jobless and penniless when the four-month employment program expires.

They pleaded with Fernando to ask the President to undertake an employment program that is permanent in nature.

"Madame President, Chairman BF, alang-alang sa mga anak namin at iba pang miyembro ng pamilya namin tulungan nyo po kaming magkaroon ng pangmatagalang hanapbuhay at ipinapangako po naming lahat ang patuloy naming pagsuporta sa inyong mga programa," one of the recruits said.

Others, however, maintained that the job opportunities they applied for were no more than a small token to sway their support to the government.

Another newly hired worker who has been assigned at the MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operation Group said that being part of a demolition crew that drives people out of their homes was a bitter pill to swallow.

The job recruit said he was forced to accept the job to sustain his wife and nine children.

"Squatter din ako, pero no choice ako. Mamamatay ang pamilya ko. Di kayang buhayin ng prinsipyo at pakainin sila. Kaya pasensiyahan na lang," he said.

Majority of the hired workers, however, were thankful for the jobs provided them by the Arroyo administration.

http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/05/30/MTNN2006053065473.html

Nino Mulach?



j/k

kay Bayani Agbayani na lang ako maka GMA pa :D

The job recruit said he was forced to accept the job to sustain his wife and nine children.


OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! He should've stopped at one.

MMDA demolishes illegal structures in Taguig
By Rhodina Villanueva
The Philippine Star 06/15/2006

In line with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s "Metro Gwapo" project, the agency conducted clearing operations targeting several illegal establishments located in Taguig City yesterday.

Together with elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Task Force Bantay, the MMDA demolition team knocked down around 30 commercial establishments, including construction supplies warehouses, vulcanizing shops and stalls engaged in metal works along East Service Road in Barangay Western Bicutan.

Alice Caseñas, special operations officer of the MMDA’s Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, said that owners of the structures that were affected went beyond the allowable space for them to build their businesses.

"They were already occupying portions of the sidewalk. Apart from committing violations, these establishments are obviously eyesores. This is why clearing operations were conducted in the area yesterday," Caseñas explained.

She said the demolition which started at around 8 a.m. had been coordinated with Task Force Bantay.

Meanwhile, the Taguig Public Information Office said establishments that were affected were operating illegally since these were not issued business permits by the local government.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200606156302.htm

This may not be a project of MMDA but at least the planned greeneries will help make Manila look less suffocating.....

Greening of dumpsites set to begin

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=41958
By MARK IVAN ROBLAS, The Manila Times Correspondent

Get set for the "greening" of Smokey Mountain and other unsightly garbage dumps in the country.

The Philippine Wood Producers Association has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to plant trees in five selected Metro Manila sites and in three other provinces, Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes said Friday.

The tree-planting program is the group’s response to President Arroyo’s appeal to restore the country’s forest cover, Reyes said.

"This heralds a new chapter in producers association’s presence in the country’s wood industry. It puts the association at the forefront of government’s reforestation program," he added.

The group’s activities include urban greening, watershed rehabilitation, community forestry and industrial-tree plantation.

The group plans to convert part of the Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, into a mini forest. It also plans to put up "greenbelts" near housing areas and esteros.

The group will plant trees along the Taal Lake shoreline and tributaries of the San Juan River covering the cities of Tanauan and Batangas in Batangas province plus portions of the Roosevelt National Park in Bataan.

Reyes said the association will set up a 10,000-hectare tree plantation in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte

The Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Co. is applying for an integrated forestry management agreement for the project.

The group will develop a plantation for trees used as fuel, fruit trees and other tree species in Morong, Bataan, under a socialized industrial forestry management agreement.

This may not be a project of MMDA but at least the planned greeneries will help make Manila look less suffocating.....

Greening of dumpsites set to begin

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=41958
By MARK IVAN ROBLAS, The Manila Times Correspondent

Get set for the "greening" of Smokey Mountain and other unsightly garbage dumps in the country.

The Philippine Wood Producers Association has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to plant trees in five selected Metro Manila sites and in three other provinces, Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes said Friday.

The tree-planting program is the group’s response to President Arroyo’s appeal to restore the country’s forest cover, Reyes said.

"This heralds a new chapter in producers association’s presence in the country’s wood industry. It puts the association at the forefront of government’s reforestation program," he added.

The group’s activities include urban greening, watershed rehabilitation, community forestry and industrial-tree plantation.

The group plans to convert part of the Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, into a mini forest. It also plans to put up "greenbelts" near housing areas and esteros.

The group will plant trees along the Taal Lake shoreline and tributaries of the San Juan River covering the cities of Tanauan and Batangas in Batangas province plus portions of the Roosevelt National Park in Bataan.

Reyes said the association will set up a 10,000-hectare tree plantation in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte

The Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Co. is applying for an integrated forestry management agreement for the project.

The group will develop a plantation for trees used as fuel, fruit trees and other tree species in Morong, Bataan, under a socialized industrial forestry management agreement.

Smokey mountain into a forested mountain??? I like it... wonder how much cost it would need???

I think because of much minerals rooted in this area, planted greeneries will grows faster from the normal ones. In fact, if everyones has the guts to share his willingness to this endeavor, if I say in one town, the municipality will allocate funds and start doing this planting from the main roads as an example, every secondary roads or by homeowners of every subdivisions will follow also, it is not impossible, Metro Manila will be a competitive green urban in the regional setting standards. But it must have a standard applications so the outcome would be symmetrical.

Next stop.. Pasig River... I loved Burnham's plan on using the Pasig River as how it is done in Italy.. too bad it didnt happen..

I believe I've heard that Mayor L.A. will adopt Burnham's plan for Manila as a guidline for his city beautification project..

It's actually a bit nice now to walk along Lawton when commuting to school.. medyo matino na..

same as Makati.. puro beautification na..

MMDA seeks mayors’ support on garbage

By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is seeking the assistance and cooperation of the 17 mayors of the metropolis in the strict implementation of the agency’s door-to-door garbage collection scheme to help prevent floods.


MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said 22,000 cubic meters of industrial and household wastes, mostly plastics, find their way daily to the major waterways of Metro Manila.

He blamed the problem on the informal settlers living near esteros, canals, rivers and ponds who dump their wastes and garbage into the waterways.

The flow of water in the waterways, especially during heavy rains, is hampered by the tons of garbage and silt, causing the water to overflow on the streets and inundate low-lying areas.

The MMDA also castigated residents for bringing out their garbage from their homes even if the trash collector has not yet arrived.

MMDA Flood Control Unit Director Baltazar Melgar said stray dogs and animals usually scratch the plastic garbage bags placed outside homes, scattering the trash on the pavement.

"Pag nasa kalye na ang basura at umulan, tiyak tatangayin yan ng agos patungo sa inlet. Pag nagkaganoon, baha na naman. Kaya paulit-ulit kaming nagtatanggal ng bara,’’ Melgar said.

Fernando said the volume of garbage dumped by unscrupulous individuals is a perfect gauge to measure the efficiency of local officials in enforcing the door-to-door garbage collection scheme.

He said people should pray that it does not rain heavily since silted rivers and murky esteros would surely overflow and flood the streets of Metro Manila.

Fernando complained that most garbage collectors assigned by the local government units (LGUs) are remiss in their garbage collecting duties as a number of them have failed to consistently go door to door in the neighborhood.

In 2002, the Metro Mayors Council passed a resolution urging the LGUs to enact a uniform ordinance with similar guidelines in the collection of garbage in the metropolis.

At present, there are still dumping points in various parts of the metropolis where garbage trucks arrive to pick up the garbage of the various localities of Metro Manila.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006062067304.html

Sana si Palafox na lang ang maging MMDA Chairman.



:eek2:

MMDA seeks P2.4 B in additional budget





The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is expected to obtain approval today of a resolution appropriating P2.4 billion for its operational expenses this year.


MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando is the presiding officer of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) where Quezon City Mayor and MMC appropriation chairman Feliciano Belmonte is likely to endorse the budget proposal.

"It would be endorsed by Mayor Belmonte and has already been approved by all committees of the MMC,’’ the MMC secretariat said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only approved an average of R1 billion as budget annually for the operational expenses of the MMDA.

A budget officer of the MMDA noted that since the approved budget is smaller than the operational allocation, the deficit would be carried over to the next budget of the agency.

"Though the appropriation of the MMC for the budget operations of the MMDA is bigger than the approved budget, the deficit would be filled in may be carried over to the next budget of the agency,’’ the budget division personnel added.

The DBM has yet to approve the R5-billion proposed budget sought by the MMDA this year. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006062267488.html

Sana si Palafox na lang ang maging MMDA Chairman.



:eek2:

hahaha.. nako kung si Palafox yan.. wow talagaaaaa..

I heard Imeldific is going to seek the mayoralty of Manila.

Has anyone seen the sidewalks that they;re building along Commonwealth? They're wide, as in really wide... Galing talaga ng MMDA

I heard Imeldific is going to seek the mayoralty of Manila.
Eh kung Navotas na lang kaya... Para maging glamorosa naman doon
I heard Cesar Montano rin will run for Manila mayor.

Does anybody have a complete listing of the (interesting and sometimes hilarious) urban signs by the MMDA? Or do you think I can get it from the MMDA office itself? I'd love pictures as well...

Has anyone seen the sidewalks that they;re building along Commonwealth? They're wide, as in really wide... Galing talaga ng MMDA

Wow! Kudos to Chairman Fernando!

"Has anyone seen the sidewalks that they;re building along Commonwealth? They're wide, as in really wide... Galing talaga ng MMDA."

What about the road, did they reduce the number of lanes to make way for this widened sidewalks?

^^Nope, the road is still a 16-lane except for the part along Iglesia ni Cristo, UP and Fairview. A lot of establishments on the side of the road were demolished, especially the ones near Batasan Road. I think they're going to put up palm trees pa along the sidewalk..

^^^ wow! good news! pictures naman dyan! :D

^^Nope, the road is still a 16-lane except for the part along Iglesia ni Cristo, UP and Fairview. A lot of establishments on the side of the road were demolished, especially the ones near Batasan Road. I think they're going to put up palm trees pa along the sidewalk..

Matutuwa :) ang mag side walk vendors nyan , malaki na ang space na mapagtindahan. :bash:

They're going to have to put alot of small commercial stalls, like the ones they added to the baywalk area..

MMDA removes illegal structures for Tullahan dredging

The Philippine Star 06/23/2006

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now conducting massive sidewalk clearing operations in Malabon in preparation for the dredging and cleaning of the Tullahan River.

Some 71 structures were demolished yesterday along Juan Luna and Letre streets including makeshift houses erected by informal settlers.

MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) chief Bobby Esquivel said his men are preparing the area for the anti-flooding operations.

"This is preparatory to the dredging and cleaning of the Tullahan River. The city government asked us for assistance in its effort to prevent or at least lessen flooding in low-lying areas in the locality during the rainy season," Esquivel told The Star in an interview.

He said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando personally visited the area and witnessed initial demolition operations last Wednesday.

"When we went to the area again yesterday, nandoon na naman sila so we had to clear the roads and sidewalks again," he said.

The MMDA said some informal settlers as well as those who erected concrete residential and commercial establishments offered resistance, but no one was hurt in the operation.

Esquivel explained that after the clearing operations, the MMDA will clear the Tullahan River of garbage blocking water passageways that has been blamed for flooding.

"We will also clean canals and esteros. The rainy season is already here and we have to prepare Malabon for it," he said.

The MMDA has been working on cleaning rivers and other waterways in Metro Manila in the last few months in preparation for the rainy days.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Cesar Lacuna also ordered for the replacing of lost manhole covers which causes accidents during rainy days. — Michael Punongbayan

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200606236314.htm

They're going to have to put alot of small commercial stalls, like the ones they added to the baywalk area..


Ahh, okay that's good.


I really like Bayani's dedication to his job. :)

MMDA removes illegal structures for Tullahan dredging

The Philippine Star 06/23/2006
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200606236314.htm

wow! really bayani is my man! bayani for president! :D
the government should create something like pasig river commission to rehabilitate the river, demolish all those illegal settlers and create a river walk lane... or maybe a bicycle lane ... imagine just taking a bike from taguig, pasig, mandaluyong, makati to manila! ... wow!... :cheers:

Yeah, like China? that should lessen pollution.. hopefully.. or make our cycling enthusiasts suffer from second hand pollution amidst the many smoke belching vehicles in Metro Manila..

Napakakulet at matitigas ang ulo ng karamihang pinoy. Bayanis job is not an easy one. he really has perseverence and political will to go againts the grain.

Bayani is our ....... hero. Honasan is our ..... who knows, Ann.

Another task that the MMDA need to accomplish is the closure of the motels that are caters ot brothels.

Dapat taasan pa ang budget ng MMDA under Bayani kasi kitang kita mo talaga improvement. Go Bayani!

Si HOnasan kung hindi sana nag coup ng coup nung 80s panahon ng asian miracle. Nakasama sana tayo sa barkong yon lalo na Cory had the grace of the international community. Pero hindi tayo nakasakay naiwan ng barko. no used crying over spilled milk , i know. Pero this guy is back to his same antics and then magtatago hindi nahuhule at napaparusahan nagiging senator pa. walang yagbols yan.

HONASAN is a plague. He must die!

now this is the way to rant :speech: :rant:

:lol:

Bayani has made the Metro the looks it truly deserves. IF only all the metro mayors behave and think like Bayani, definitely Metro Manila will be the best metropolis EVER in Asia. GO BAYAN! You're doing a GOOD JOB as MMDA Chairman.

MMDA takes steps to hasten flood recession in Manila

By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has undertaken flood control measures to enable rainwater to recede at a much quicker pace at known critical areas in Manila.


MMDA Flood Control Unit Director Baltazar Melgar said the agency is in the midst of constructing two huge drainage systems along Antipolo St. in Manila to accommodate the large volume of water during heavy rains and high tide.

After years of research, the MMDA decided to construct the flood control structure on the site as records show that the area is heavily inundated even hours after a heavy rains.

Melgar explained that the two large drainage pipes will flush out the excessive rainwater to Ernesto de Vitas which eventually leads to the Vitas Pumping Station.

Residents have complained about the heavy and long hours of flooding, especially near the Dimasalang Bridge.

"I understand their predicament. Their reaction against the MMDA is borne mostly out of frustration. With Chairman (Bayani) Fernando’s leadership, I can assure that the flooding problems would eventually be solved,’’ Melgar said.

Melgar appealed to the motorists and residents in the area to bear with the temporary inconveniences as the installation of the drainage pipes would necessitate street diggings, particularly along Dimasalang and Antipolo streets.

Once completed, the MMDA assured, the floodwater on the perennially problem area of Espana Blvd. and nearby inner or lateral streets will dramatically subside faster.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando vowed to reduce the incidents of flooding in Metro Manila by a whopping 80 percent once the flood control projects of the MMDA are completed by next year.

"Those areas which are traditionally heavily inundated would be reduced when the projects are finished by 2007,’’ Fernando said.

He declared that only 20 percent of the flood-prone areas of Metro Manila would be experiencing heavy flooding during the rainy season.

At present, almost 40 kilometers of the inner streets and major thoroughfares in Metro Manila are submerged in floodwater during heavy rains but the receding time has dramatically improved since the MMDA took control of solving the flood problem in the metropolis.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006062968054.html

Hahaha.. bat sila magtataka? eh literally tinabunan ng mga "forefathers" natin when they were building in Manila.. naturally, water would go somewhere it would seep thru..

Like UST, our profs in Arki say that it was built over a river, that's why nagfloflood yung 4 corners ng UST kahit konting ulan lang..

Lumalabas River Espana..

^ in fairness natawa ako sa sinabi mo... Onga no? "River Espanya" kaya yun dati ehehehe....

I am glad for the effort to address flood control in Manila, particularly Espana. It has been long overdue. I hope it will be a resounding success. If the residents and transients will also do their share by making sure that garbage will not block the drainages as well as the esteros, then Manila will be the better for it.

Fernando to develop Metro into Asia’s new digital city


Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando expressed plans to modernize the equipment of the agency which would soon elevate Metro Manila technologically on a par with other major cities of the world in three to four months.


Returning from a digital city conference in Taipei, Taiwan recently, Fernando admitted that the services offered by the MMDA pales in comparison with its counterparts primarily due to the disparity in modern technology.

"We have been lagging behind in terms of the services being delivered by the agency now compared with the other cities in the globe,’’ Fernando admitted.

Fernando said that he was amazed by the advanced technology employed by the local community in the delivery of basic public services during his three-day stay in the city on invitation of Taipei mayor Yun Joo Ma.

The MMDA chief said that the city offers wireless services to Internet users where anyone can log on and seek basic information.

"In Taipei one could log on to the Internet without using cable connection. Its wireless technology or Wifi they’re using. Any place in Taipei you could go and log on anytime for information,’’ he noted.

Fernando said he hopes to adapt the system in the local setting.

He also envisions Metro Manila to be on equal footing with other major cities in terms of technological development aside from logging on to Internet without using cable connections.

Fernando said he also plans to install electronic chips on public utility buses (PUB) plying the major routes of Metro Manila to determine their exact location anytime of the day.

"With these chips, we could track them and could get some vital information on the streets any time,’’ Fernando said.

The camera-equipped MMDA central base may provide convenience to stranded commuters by relaying information to passenger bus personnel where to pick up passengers.

Fernando said he plans to install sensors on the pumping stations to determine the level of water during heavy rains as part of the agency’s flood control preparedness in the city. (Chito Chavez)

"We are going to that direction. It will be cheaper in the long run because we are paying higher phone lines today. We have to employ the technology now if we don’t want to be left behind by the global community,’’ Fernando added.

He stressed the need to apply modern technology in the delivery of basic services as the population in the city increases by an average of three percent yearly.

He allayed fears that the advent of modern technology will displace local manpower as he emphasized the vital roles the MMDA workers would play in the agency’s tasks like garbage collection. (Chito Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006070568568.html

^^ That'll need a pretty good sum of money.

Most likely all talk and no action.
But hopefull it will come true in three to four months.

Most likely all talk and no action.
But hopefull it will come true in three to four months.

Bayani is not an all talk guy. Sana may budget para mangyari.

Most likely all talk and no action.
But hopefull it will come true in three to four months.

better than three to four years ahem NAIA T3. three to four months that's acceptable because of finalizing finances, delivery, etc.

Metro Gwapo projects stepped up





The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to undertake more road improvement projects on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and other major thoroughfares as it gears up for the full implementation of the "Metro Gwapo’’ project.


In a report to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, MMDA principal consultant Lope Adriano said the agency is now priming up for the beautification works on the EDSA-Ayala Avenue tunnel.

Adriano said the improvement works on the EDSA-Ayala Tunnel includes the painting of the tunnel walls; repair, rehabilitation and installation of the hardiflex panels; installation of the traffic road signs; supply and application of profiled thermoplastic reflective edge line pavement markings; renewal of thermoplastic lane markings; and installation of a new electric transformer.
Motorists cited MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando for including the improvement of the EDSA-Ayala Tunnel in its priority of projects under the Metro Gwapo program being pushed by President Arroyo.

Earlier, drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) and private vehicles complained that the structure is accident-prone since the lighting facilities in the tunnel are insufficient.

Some traffic enforcers from the local traffic bureau and the MMDA agreed with the motorists as the queue of vehicles is hardly visible due to extreme darkness even with the bright headlights on.

Melvin Galsim, a motorist who regularly passes through the EDSA-Ayala Tunnel on his way to work in Makati City, said going through the enclosed structure gave him goose bumps as he likened the experience to a nationwide blackout.

With the MMDA installing the lighting facilities, Galsim expects safer and more comfortable driving experience while going through the tunnel.

In a bid to make travel on EDSA safer, the MMDA will also undertake major facelifting activities along the tunnels and underpasses at the intersections of Shaw Blvd., Boni Ave., P. Tuazon and Aurora Blvd. after works on the EDSA-Ayala Tunnel are completed.

Fernando appealed to the public to be more understanding and patient over the temporary inconvenience as the MMDA has mapped out other plans to improve traffic flow, make the streets safer for motorists and pedestrians, remove obstructions on the sidewalks and instill discipline among road users.

The funds for the repair of the EDSA tunnels and underpasses were obtained from the ROAD Board headed by Executive Director Rodolfo Puno and Assistant Director Antonio Nery through the representation of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006070668647.html

^^And the lights...they should do something with those useless lights in the tunnel! i'd observed that some lights have already been transferred to the ceiling...and are working!
Pero, good job MMDA! Now, they're installing terminals along Commonwealth Ave. (between Batasan and Zuzuaregui St.).

oh god please repair edsa roads. and those smoke belchers ,all repainting jobs are futile if all these smoke belchers still plying edsa. I hope mmda gets more tough on them.

amen.. catch all the smoke belchers!!!! especially the buses that traverse edsa at night.. sa gabi na lng pumapasada para d halata yung itim ng usok nila!

we need more visionaries like Mr Fernando. it's a shame that only a few of them exists.

Bayani for president!

"we need more visionaries like Mr. Fernando. it's a shame that only a few of them exists."


One of his many projects are the ubiquitous toilets in Metromanila. That's why when nature calls, they say, "I'm going to Fernando's Hideaway. Ole!

Somebody said that the MMDA is widening the sidewalk for Commonwealth Ave. and adding commercial areas near it .... can anybody u[date us about this?

^^ uhhh it's true

^^ I meant update with pics...

enough of lawyers cpa economist actors and actresses! we need builders!
let us put an engineer in malacanang like fernando! :righton:

I mean three to four months was suprisingly quick!

Dapat hingin natin ang tulong ni Chairman Fernando para matanggal na yung mga bulok na flying coffins sa EDSA! Parang naduduwag ang LTFRB kay Tita Claire dela Fuente eh.

"we need more visionaries like Mr. Fernando. it's a shame that only a few of them exists."


One of his many projects are the ubiquitous toilets in Metromanila. That's why when nature calls, they say, "I'm going to Fernando's Hideaway. Ole!

^^ :lol: Ok yan ah. :okay: Pero, hindi na nga 'hideaway' kasi ubiquitous. Fushcia pink pa!

I mean three to four months was suprisingly quick!

Probably they were really saying 3-4 years...

"we need more visionaries like Mr. Fernando. it's a shame that only a few of them exists."


One of his many projects are the ubiquitous toilets in Metromanila. That's why when nature calls, they say, "I'm going to Fernando's Hideaway. Ole!

but that's only one of his projects. interesting that you have to single that one out.

Sorry. I thought he has already instituted lots of projects.


At any rate, who is more effective: Bayani or Binay-ani?

dapat yan Binay-aran.

Sorry. I thought he has already instituted lots of projects.


At any rate, who is more effective: Bayani or Binay-ani?

Everybody knows here that Bayani is very effective due to his projects and very popular to the well disciplined... Binay... wala lang, umupo lang noong MMDA chairman ng ilan taon... yun lang ginawa niya, umupo...

Indeed that's only one of his projects. He probably won't single-handedly change Filipino society perks, so he catered to it.

BF has been more effective than Binay. The former gets the job done, and like Jamaicus said, when Binay was there, umupo lang. I did some research, only reason he was there was because he couldn't run for Makati mayor, kaya nilagay sya ni Erap doon. Now he is for the abolition of it.

Hey, look, there are actually female toilets too:D I didn't know that

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/61/MMDA_3.jpg

pink is cute i like pink.

^^Even the MMDA Guadalupe Office is pink...and blue, of course.

mass pink just doesn't fit.. other than that, maganda talaga works niya..

I dunno the paint does wear off quite easily doesn't it, but I guess mas maganda kaysa dun sa concrete lang, mga tamad.

but that dark blue is hideous

Indeed that's only one of his projects. He probably won't single-handedly change Filipino society perks, so he catered to it.

BF has been more effective than Binay. The former gets the job done, and like Jamaicus said, when Binay was there, umupo lang. I did some research, only reason he was there was because he couldn't run for Makati mayor, kaya nilagay sya ni Erap doon. Now he is for the abolition of it.

Hey, look, there are actually female toilets too:D I didn't know that

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/61/MMDA_3.jpg

May Gripo ba dyan. Saan Maghuhugas ng Kamay yung mga gumagamit nyan?

Ayan ba sigurado na CADA ARAW NILILINIS.

Pag-nangamoy iyan, Bagsak na naman ang impresyon sa Maynila. :runaway:

tingin ko hindi daily maintenance ng mga yan..

the toilets are very simple, literally they are built on top of imburnal, so direct method ang nangyayari, (waterless urinal, lo tech version) this is for urine, I don't know if they allow you to dump your fecal matter there, if yes then by law there must be some maintenance !

no different than the US porty potty. those smell too only difference is they're not on main thoroughfares.

mas better na nandiyan ang mga yan para hindi kung saan saan magparaos ang mga tao.

bakit nga ang mga ibang tao sa pilipinas kung saan saan nagpaparaos kuma, matatawag bang mga tao yung ganon?

I don't think you can make an impression of Manila because of a toilet. Why the pessimism? I've seen some pretty bad toilets in Europe's cities. Anyways like jbkayaker said earlier I think tourists and even locals alike can avoid going to these toilets by releasing whatever they have before they leave the hotel/house or right after in their restaurant, meals whatever.

MMDA forms task force on unsettled traffic fines
By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star 07/15/2006

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the creation of a special team of traffic enforcers that will man the stretch of EDSA and apprehend bus drivers who have not settled their traffic violation fines and penalties since January this year.

Members of the so-called "elite team," now known as "Task Force Hunter," have been authorized to confiscate license plates or impound public utility buses (PUBs) being driven by those who have failed to settle their traffic violation receipts (TVRs).

MMDA Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios said the 20-man team of traffic enforcers would be on the lookout for at least 520 bus drivers of units owned by 354 bus companies.

The driver’s licenses of erring drivers, he explained, have already been suspended from a week to three months, depending on their violations, which means they shoud not be allowed to drive.

The violations range from colorum or out-of-line operations, trip cutting to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

"No one is above the law. We will throw the book at these dangerous public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers," Vergel de Dios said.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando has long been warning drivers against ignoring their fines and penalties.

He said drivers should think twice since the agency has records of violators and would get them at the right time for ignoring their TVRs.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200607156305.htm

no different than the US porty potty. those smell too only difference is they're not on main thoroughfares.

Porta Potties are only used during special events like concerts, block parties during holidays like NY's Eve or at construction sites whenever toilets are not accessible or there is not enough to support a large crowd. These are not permanently left for the public to use after such events. Porta potties has a container underneath for holding wastes. Your urine and waste matter does not ever touch the ground.

bakit nga ang mga ibang tao sa pilipinas kung saan saan nagpaparaos kuma, matatawag bang mga tao yung ganon?

Dati may nakita akong mama dumura ba naman sa MRT station. Sa North Ave. Sinumbong ko sa guwardiya. Wala lang. Kulang sa disiplina. Kainis.

maybe MMDA should add 2 new colors sa pallete nila: Lime green and lemon yellow! yun... sure fire hit... lime green sa mga fences sa mga center islands and the waiting sheds, lemon yellow sa mga signages, blue sa footbriges tapos pink sa rest... o diba! METRO GUWAPA! :lol:

Onga no! Ang ganda kaya ng mga ganung color parang pang summer...

I don't think you can make an impression of Manila because of a toilet. Why the pessimism? I've seen some pretty bad toilets in Europe's cities. Anyways like jbkayaker said earlier I think tourists and even locals alike can avoid going to these toilets by releasing whatever they have before they leave the hotel/house or right after in their restaurant, meals whatever.
^^ but not with taxi, jeepney and bus drivers/conductors, street vendors, street beggars, and not to mention MMDA personnels. they are practically on the road all the time. :)

^^It's all about discipline, the lack of it!!

Porta Potties are only used during special events like concerts, block parties during holidays like NY's Eve or at construction sites whenever toilets are not accessible or there is not enough to support a large crowd. These are not permanently left for the public to use after such events. Porta potties has a container underneath for holding wastes. Your urine and waste matter does not ever touch the ground.
ihave seenthem permanently stationed on US parks in Portland Oregon.

here in downtown seattle they have the self cleaning toilets. is made out of stainless steel. when you use this tolilets it gives you 20 minutes to do your thing . if you are still using the toilet nearing the 20 minute limit it will warn you before it opens automaticly. the reason for this is to prevent drug use inside the toilet. the toilet cleans it self when it opens. so thats the other reason to be out of there.

MMDA is doing a great job in fixing up commonwealth... to complement the widest road in the metro, they are also building the widest sidewalk... with trees! yes, beautiful trees! i cant wait till they fix up the whole commonwealth area...

they are also putting up separate lanes for pubic transport and private vehicles... i find it really nice... kaso it's in pink...:lol:

MMDA is doing a great job in fixing up commonwealth... to complement the widest road in the metro, they are also building the widest sidewalk... with trees! yes, beautiful trees! i cant wait till they fix up the whole commonwealth area...

they are also putting up separate lanes for pubic transport and private vehicles... i find it really nice... kaso it's in pink...:lol:

pictures naman dyan pleassse :)

MMDA reports lesser floods, faster travel

By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday reported marked improvements in its flood control and traffic management duties -- key components of the "Metro Gwapo" projects of President Arroyo.


MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando likened the implementation of the projects handled by the MMDA to the progress report that the President will make in her State-of- the-Nation Address today.

In 2002, Fernando said 30 kilometers of major roads and secondary streets in the metropolis were impassable during heavy rains, or when rainfall volume amounts to 100 milliliters per hour. In the first half of this year, only six kilometers of roads remained inundated with the same volume of rainfall, he said.

Fernando said the improvement in the flooding situation in Metro Manila became evident with the completion of the flood control projects in the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area and Pasig City. The projects are expected to fully resolve the flooding woes in the whole of the metropolis.

Despite the steady increase in the number of registered vehicles from 1.20 million in 2003, 1.58 million in 2005 and almost two million in 2006, Fernando noted that the average travel speed of vehicles improved from 24.05 kilometers per hour (km/hr) to 27.96 km/hr in 2005 to 32.71 km/hr in 2006.

Fernando attributed the increase in travel speed to the estimated 42 kilometers of sidewalks and roads cleared by the MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG).

In undertaking the "Investors’ Corridor" project of the President, the MMDA has conducted the removal of obstructions which include sidewalk vendors, shanties and other eyesores on sidewalks and road right-of-ways.

Fernando said the "Metro Gwapo" program not only involves beautification projects but also measures to maximize the use of roads by motorists and provide the public with safe and more convenient travel.

However, sidewalk vendors, informal dwellers and politics remain as road blocks to the smooth implementation of the various development programs included in the "Metro Gwapo" projects, he said.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay continues to be critical of Fernando’s management style, lambasting him for his failure to coordinate with the local government units and for having his own interpretation of Supreme Court rulings are unfavorable to the MMDA.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006072469988.html

hmmm.. i still pass by buendia and see flooding after a very heavy gush of rain.. i wonder if this is included in the report..

I still cannot forgive MMDA for opposing those interchange projects for EDSA -_-

Pole wire clearing "ON"

Unsightly dangling utility wires on rickety electric posts on the 42-kilometer stretch of road leading to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will soon be a thing of the past.

Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led by Chairman Bayani Fernando, together with those from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and different utility firms such as Meralco, PLDT and cable service providers yesterday started another round of facelift of the “Investors’ Route” by conducting pole wire clearing operations initially at Barangay Pildera in Pasay City.

Meralco linemen began scaling up electric posts, bundled up dangling utility wires and fixed utility cabinets, cables and other street facilities in the area for a clean and orderly look.

In an on-site impromptu meeting that ensued after the launching of the pole wire clearing operations, the MMDA chief, NTC Commissioner Ronald Solis, Meralco President Chito Francisco and other utility firms representatives jointly agreed to complete the task of sprucing up electric posts along the entire Investors’ Route in 45 days.

The problem of indiscriminate construction was also addressed during the meeting wherein the officials agreed that from hereon, rickety electric posts will be replaced and relocated and that only Meralco would be authorized to do so.

A memorandum of agreement would be inked shortly between officials of Meralco and other utility firms whereby the former would have the sole authority to construct new posts but under a moral obligation to accommodate the cables of other utility firms.

Fernando explained that Meralco has assured the sight of “spaghetti” wires dangling along electric posts will soon be gone with the utility company regulating the installation of cables of other utility firms on Meralco electric posts.

At the same time, he disclosed that after the pole wire clearing of the Investors’ Route, the MMDA will undertake the same in the 5,000-kilometer stretch of secondary roads in Metro Manila.

The said improvement of utility service is preparatory to the agency’s goal for the underground installation of street facilities in line with its continuing cleanliness and beautification campaign, a component of its broader “Metro Gwapo” program.

i like the URBAN FACELIFT of metro gwapo...... ganda na tignan ung mga old establishment along edsa sa monumento - balintawak....almost repainted lahat. GALING ni BAYANI!

Pole wire clearing "ON"

Unsightly dangling utility wires on rickety electric posts on the 42-kilometer stretch of road leading to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will soon be a thing of the past.

Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led by Chairman Bayani Fernando, together with those from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and different utility firms such as Meralco, PLDT and cable service providers yesterday started another round of facelift of the “Investors’ Route” by conducting pole wire clearing operations initially at Barangay Pildera in Pasay City.

Meralco linemen began scaling up electric posts, bundled up dangling utility wires and fixed utility cabinets, cables and other street facilities in the area for a clean and orderly look.

In an on-site impromptu meeting that ensued after the launching of the pole wire clearing operations, the MMDA chief, NTC Commissioner Ronald Solis, Meralco President Chito Francisco and other utility firms representatives jointly agreed to complete the task of sprucing up electric posts along the entire Investors’ Route in 45 days.

The problem of indiscriminate construction was also addressed during the meeting wherein the officials agreed that from hereon, rickety electric posts will be replaced and relocated and that only Meralco would be authorized to do so.

A memorandum of agreement would be inked shortly between officials of Meralco and other utility firms whereby the former would have the sole authority to construct new posts but under a moral obligation to accommodate the cables of other utility firms.

Fernando explained that Meralco has assured the sight of “spaghetti” wires dangling along electric posts will soon be gone with the utility company regulating the installation of cables of other utility firms on Meralco electric posts.

At the same time, he disclosed that after the pole wire clearing of the Investors’ Route, the MMDA will undertake the same in the 5,000-kilometer stretch of secondary roads in Metro Manila.

The said improvement of utility service is preparatory to the agency’s goal for the underground installation of street facilities in line with its continuing cleanliness and beautification campaign, a component of its broader “Metro Gwapo” program.

MY GOSH!!! THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!! SANA... MABILIS TO!!!

Courts vindicate MMDA
By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star 08/01/2006

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday it has been vindicated in its effort to restore order and discipline on the streets after scoring victories in legal battles with establishment owners and informal settlers affected by sidewalk clearing operations.

MMDA chief legal officer Emmanuel de Castro said the Court of Appeals (CA) and three regional trial courts in Metro Manila denied petitions for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG), which conducts clearing of roads, streets, sidewalks, bridges, parks and other public places.

The appellate court and the lower courts of the cities of Malabon, Pasig and Makati, recently issued separate resolutions on complaints of illegal demolition against the agency.

Clearing teams have been ridding areas of illegal structures and obstructions pursuant to the charter of the MMDA, which has been harvesting various charges because of their operation.

"We will stay the course, undaunted by any challenges as we fulfill what we have taken an oath to do," De Castro said.

He noted that in a July 5 resolution penned by Associate Justice Conrado Vasquez Jr. of the CA Third Division, the appeal of plaintiff Richardson Steel Corp. for the issuance of a preliminary injunction was denied because the latter failed to prove that it was the real owner of a building, of which a portion was torn down by SCOG personnel.

The MMDA argued that the building was encroaching on the Bagbag creek in Quezon City, where a canal was constructed. The agency attributed the perennial flooding in the area to the firm’s encroachment of the creek.

Last June 9, Judge Benjamin Antonio of Malabon RTC Branch 70 denied a petition for prohibition with application for a TRO filed by members of the Akbayan Kapitbisig at Pagkakaisa and Daop Palad.

The group represented 198 families living in six houses that were demolished by the SCOG in Barangay Portrero on June 20, 2005.

The judge said complainants failed to show a clear and present right to continue occupying the sidewalk, which the MMDA refers to as public domain and intended for public use.

"Being outside the commerce of man, they cannot just acquire the roadsteads by prescription of 30 or 50 years possession," the ruling stated.

The court said maintenance, operation, supervision and control of sidewalks, streets and other public places in Metro Manila are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the MMDA, by virtue of Republic Act 7924, or its charter, and that the complainants have no valid and legal right to occupy the public place in question.

Last March 16, Judge Napoleon Inoturan of Makati RTC Branch 133 deemed as moot and academic a request for a TRO filed by residents of Bangkal along the South Superhighway.

The case, he explained, stems from SCOG’s demolition of houses, stores and offices on a government lot.

De Castro said the Pasig RTC denied a similar petition sought by residents of the Bonifacio Housing Information Technology along C-5, where the MMDA teams conducted operations in October 2005.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200608016302.htm

^ That is a laudable decision by the courts. Now, we await the appeal or petition for review to the Supreme Court.

MMDA wins 4 legal battles on squatting



By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

In four separate resolutions – three of them recently – the Court of Appeals and three Metro Manila regional trial courts denied for lack of merit four separate petitions for preliminary injunction filed against the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for alleged illegal demolition.


The appellate court and the regional trial courts of Malabon, Pasig and Makati denied the petition for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the agency’s sidewalk clearing operations in Metro Manila.

MMDA chief legal officer Emmanuel de Castro said yesterday the court orders vindicated the MMDA from any wrongdoing in fulfilling its duties in maintaining safety, order and discipline on the streets.

Section 6 of Republic Act 7924, also known as the MMDA charter, authorizes the agency to clear obstruction on sidewalks, roads, streets, bridges, parks and other public places in the metropolis.

"We will stay the course, undaunted by any challenges, as we fulfill what we have taken an oath to do,’’ De Castro said.

In a Court of Appeals resolution issued last July 5, Associate Justice Conrado Vasquez Jr. of the CA Third Division said the complainants – Richardson Steel Corp. and Eastland Development Corp. – failed to prove that they were the true owners of the building demolished by the MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG).

Court records showed that the building supposedly owned by Richardson Steel Corp. was found to be encroaching on Bagbag Creek in Quezon City. The MMDA flood control engineers blame such encroachment for the perennial flooding in the area.

The MMDA said the owners of the steel company constructed a manmade canal as the structure occupied a portion of the waterway.

Meanwhile, in a three-page decision last June 9, Judge Benjamin Antonio of the Malabon Regional Trial Court Branch 170 denied the petition for a TRO filed by members of the Akbayan Kapitbisig at Pagkakaisa and the Daop Palad representing 198 families whose houses were demolished by the MMDA SCOG on June 20, 2005 in Potrero, Malabon.

Antonio asserted that the complainants failed to show a clear right to continue occupying the sidewalks and streets which are public domain and intended for public use.

"Being outside the commerce of man, the members cannot acquire the roadsteads by prescription of 30 to 50 years possession,’’ he said.

Antonio also ruled that the maintenance, operation, supervision and control of sidewalks, streets and other public places in Metro Manila are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the MMDA by virtue of RA 7924, giving the complainants no valid and legal rights to occupy the public place in question.

Last March 16, Judge Napoleon Inoturan of the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 133 deemed as moot and academic the request of Nenita Nabayra and other residents of South Superhighway in Bangkal, Makati City, for a TRO against the MMDA.

The case stemmed from the MMDA’s removal of Nabayra’s semi-wooden house, stores and offices which used to stand on a government property.

In a one-page decision, Inoturan found no basis to issue a TRO since the structures were already demolished.

On Oct. 6, 2005, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266 denied a similar petition of the residents of Bonifacio Housing Information Technology along Circumferential Road 5 (C-5). Their houses were eventually demolished by the MMDA on Oct. 12, 2005.

De Castro said the residents have no valid titles on the land since the land is part of the government’s road right-of-way where roads can be built by authorized government infrastructure agencies.

The residents alleged that the MMDA demolished their houses without the appropriate court order, consultation and just compensation as only the MMDA SCOG informed them that a road expansion project necessitated the demolition of the structures.

In his resolution, Judge Ramon Asis denied the grant of preliminary injunction to the petitioners, saying that the "joinder’’ of issues is a clear and patent indication that Nabayra and his group do not have an actual right that exists, hence, the court is not convinced that plaintiffs are entitled to the relief prayed for.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006080470921.html

Hurray to MMDA!

MMDa has the guts prevent squatting unlike the mayors (most notably Binay) who are more concerned on buttering-up with the squatters in order to secure their votes.
The mayors are the ones to be blamed why Manila is festered with these putrid uncivilised people.

MMDA is doing a great job in fixing up commonwealth... to complement the widest road in the metro, they are also building the widest sidewalk... with trees! yes, beautiful trees! i cant wait till they fix up the whole commonwealth area...

they are also putting up separate lanes for pubic transport and private vehicles... i find it really nice... kaso it's in pink...:lol:


i do hope they put up some form of a formal redevelopment program for the whole stretch of Commonwealth Ave (patawad kung meron na) kasi i feel na pag hindi ito napagbuti it would end up like other government projects na maganda sa simula tapos given some time, binebenta na yung mga steel parts nya sa junkshop ng ating enterprising countrymen!

Everyday i get to walk / ride my bike to and from work while traversing a part of the "promenade" (specifically from Ever Gotesco to Sandiganbayan) and i can imagine a lot of things that they could do or they could have done

first, sana they used interlocking pavers instead of concrete para mas decorative, colorful, efficient pa,

second, since the construction of this "promenade" entailed a lot of digging, sana sinama na rin nila yung pag submerge ng mga electrical posts below grade para two birds with one stone

third, damihan pa sana nila yung mga planters, more acacia trees please!

fourth, sine these "promenades" are so wide, they could put up puiblic art installations na pwedeng ma-appreciate ng mga tao

Hurray to MMDA!

MMDa has the guts prevent squatting unlike the mayors (most notably Binay) who are more concerned on buttering-up with the squatters in order to secure their votes.
The mayors are the ones to be blamed why Manila is festered with these putrid uncivilised people.

putrid uncivilized people? a little too hard on that... considering the fact that its your own kind :evil:

Hurray to MMDA!

MMDa has the guts prevent squatting unlike the mayors (most notably Binay) who are more concerned on buttering-up with the squatters in order to secure their votes.
The mayors are the ones to be blamed why Manila is festered with these putrid uncivilised people.

Putrid uncivilised people is not the right way to say that. Those remarks would be uncivlised too...

^^Now if pork barrels are scrapped and spent to create commie block apartments for the squatters, then there wont be any "putrid uncivilised people", but I agree to the branding to some very little extent, some squatters can really be very stubborn and downright tamad that's why they are poor. Pero kawawa naman ang mga squatters, unending cycle lang ang buhay nila.. hirap to hirap to more hirap to unbearable hirap. Meron bang former squatter na nag improve ang buhay dahil sa pagsisikap at tiyaga?? Goodness, just stating those made me realize how much the Philippines need an economic miracle.

My ultimate wish is sana gumanda na dito sa metro... Kahit magtanim lng ng puno like acacia sa side walk pwede na... siyempre wag pabayaan.... simple things lang nman kelangn eh.. halaman-halaman lang...pwede na... tska sana lagyan nila ng mas maayos na railing yung sidewalk kc lagi kong nakikita dun sa edsa un eh... kc parang hindi tao yung naglalakad dun eh... sana prang yung katulad sa ayala... tska i hate the pink color.. ang corney.. di bagay sa metro...

sana magkaroon din ng parang MMDA sa labas ng metro kc mas maganda kung gawin din dun ung ginagwa d2... no exemptions.... mas maganda simulan ng maaga ang disiplina sa mga tao sa labas ng metro... pra pag nagBOOM na tlga yung economy natin at nagimprove na rin dun sa labas... eh di PARAISO na dito sa atin....

sana magkaroon din ng parang MMDA sa labas ng metro kc mas maganda kung gawin din dun ung ginagwa d2... no exemptions.... mas maganda simulan ng maaga ang disiplina sa mga tao sa labas ng metro... pra pag nagBOOM na tlga yung economy natin at nagimprove na rin dun sa labas... eh di PARAISO na dito sa atin....

the government should do something like what they do on other conrtries... relocate the poor squaters Housing projects... maybe cheap highrise apartment complex's... it'll make manila look cleaner and its safer for the poor. The only real problem is where to get the money. lets just hope the economy keeps its steady pace (did i spell that right?) of improvement.

^^one thing that could probably solve squatting problem in Metro Manila is to ban all settlers with no official PERMANENT addresses from exercising their electoral rights. The very reason why people squat is because of the unnoticed support coming from corrupt politicians and where can these politicians obtain their big count of votes if not from these thousands (millions?) of informal settlers with no addresses.

i do hope they put up some form of a formal redevelopment program for the whole stretch of Commonwealth Ave (patawad kung meron na) kasi i feel na pag hindi ito napagbuti it would end up like other government projects na maganda sa simula tapos given some time, binebenta na yung mga steel parts nya sa junkshop ng ating enterprising countrymen!

Everyday i get to walk / ride my bike to and from work while traversing a part of the "promenade" (specifically from Ever Gotesco to Sandiganbayan) and i can imagine a lot of things that they could do or they could have done

first, sana they used interlocking pavers instead of concrete para mas decorative, colorful, efficient pa,

second, since the construction of this "promenade" entailed a lot of digging, sana sinama na rin nila yung pag submerge ng mga electrical posts below grade para two birds with one stone

third, damihan pa sana nila yung mga planters, more acacia trees please!

fourth, sine these "promenades" are so wide, they could put up puiblic art installations na pwedeng ma-appreciate ng mga tao

Nice ideas! :okay:

MMDA set to crack down harder on traffic violators


The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday it will crack down even harder on motorists who continue to disobey traffic rules and regulations and defy repeated warnings from the agency.


MMDA Traffic Operations Center (TOC) Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios said his men will relentlessly discipline habitual traffic violators to maintain order and safety in the streets.

Despite the efforts of the MMDA, drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) continue to load and unload passengers on non-designated stops, creating traffic gridlocks.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando called on the drivers of buses, taxis and so-called FX vehicles to use the loading bays and designated PUV stops that the government installed to allow the unimpeded flow of vehicles.

The MMDA director for public road safety and special operations, Ramon Santiago, reported that half of the daily apprehensions the agency made involved traffic obstruction cases.

"The number of traffic apprehensions made by traffic enforcers remains the same. They still load and unload where they are not supposed to pick up passengers," Santiago noted.

MMDA records revealed that out of the 1,000 apprehensions, the traffic personnel nabbed 500 drivers for loading and unloading on unauthorized areas and other obstruction cases.

Argin Madarang, a sophomore nursing student in one of the universities in Manila, said most jeepney drivers plying the Rizal Avenue route in Caloocan City usually load and unload passengers in the middle of the street.

He said their total disregard for traffic rules has worsened the traffic situation, especially in the vicinity of the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City.

"When I don’t take the LRT, I’m forced to ride the jeepney on my way to school. Even during lean hours, traffic is at a standstill as drivers stop in the middle of the street waiting for passengers," Madarang said.

The MMDA imposes a fine of P150 for traffic obstruction violators and P300 for motorists who violate the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP).

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said PUV drivers either pay boundaries to the operators or get a percentage of the day’s earnings as commission, making them load and unload passengers even on non-designated areas. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006080871272.html

OK sa higpit ang MMDA.

Please post pictures of the bus stop turnstile..

Turnstiles soon coming to a bus stop near you

MMDA’s newest campaign

By Tarra Quismundo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:21am (Mla time) 08/14/2006

Published on page A27 of the August 14, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

FROM SUPERMARKETS and railway transport stations, turnstiles have found their way to EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue).

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has turned to turnstiles to boost its continuing campaign to discipline commuters and pedestrians, an effort that gave birth to the agency’s ubiquitous signature street implements such as pink fences, pink and blue steel footbridges and pink road signs.

Borrowing an idea long used in grocery stores and mass transport stations, the MMDA has begun installing turnstiles at the entrance of commuter loading bays on two of EDSA’s busiest bus stops.

And in keeping with the agency’s color scheme, the MMDA painted the turnstiles blue.

“This is meant to control the movement of people on loading bays. Once you get in, you can no longer go back out the same way because the turnstiles only turn forward,” said Angelito Vergel de Dios, the executive director of the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center yesterday.

The traffic chief said turnstiles were installed last week at the entrance to two commuter loading bays -- Gil Puyat Avenue (southbound side) and Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Vergel de Dios added that the turnstiles would also discourage people from getting off at loading bays since the turnstiles would prevent them from going in.

“This would prevent people from entering and going out at the same time. It’s either you jump over the turnstile or climb it just to get back to the other side,” he said.

The agency is expected to install more turnstiles in the coming weeks, this time, in front of Camp Crame in Quezon City.

^^ congress should push for national ID system ... i think its about time... for security and to discipline the public...

with national ID the government can enforce MMDA to sequester undisciplined individual ID and penalize them lets say a minimum of 8 hours service cleaining up the metro for various offenses... hehehe

also for criminals, terrorist and NPA .... if you dont have national ID youre existance is questionable! :D

i really admire BF's determination and creativity to instill discipline in the people.. hopefully it all works out and people will develop discipline in the long term..

MMDA set to crack down harder on traffic violators


The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday it will crack down even harder on motorists who continue to disobey traffic rules and regulations and defy repeated warnings from the agency.


MMDA Traffic Operations Center (TOC) Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios said his men will relentlessly discipline habitual traffic violators to maintain order and safety in the streets.

Despite the efforts of the MMDA, drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) continue to load and unload passengers on non-designated stops, creating traffic gridlocks.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando called on the drivers of buses, taxis and so-called FX vehicles to use the loading bays and designated PUV stops that the government installed to allow the unimpeded flow of vehicles.

The MMDA director for public road safety and special operations, Ramon Santiago, reported that half of the daily apprehensions the agency made involved traffic obstruction cases.

"The number of traffic apprehensions made by traffic enforcers remains the same. They still load and unload where they are not supposed to pick up passengers," Santiago noted.

MMDA records revealed that out of the 1,000 apprehensions, the traffic personnel nabbed 500 drivers for loading and unloading on unauthorized areas and other obstruction cases.

Argin Madarang, a sophomore nursing student in one of the universities in Manila, said most jeepney drivers plying the Rizal Avenue route in Caloocan City usually load and unload passengers in the middle of the street.

He said their total disregard for traffic rules has worsened the traffic situation, especially in the vicinity of the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City.

"When I don’t take the LRT, I’m forced to ride the jeepney on my way to school. Even during lean hours, traffic is at a standstill as drivers stop in the middle of the street waiting for passengers," Madarang said.

The MMDA imposes a fine of P150 for traffic obstruction violators and P300 for motorists who violate the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP).

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said PUV drivers either pay boundaries to the operators or get a percentage of the day’s earnings as commission, making them load and unload passengers even on non-designated areas. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006080871272.html

Last time I went to the Philippines, a lot of people were violating driving rules (well, if they were following the driving rules established in America anyway.). I saw a lot of people who didn't drive in their lanes, many cutting people off, cars getting WAY too close to the next vehicle, etc. Are these violators being forced to go to some kind of traffic school or they they being let go as long as they pay a fine? I also noticed a difference in the driving in the highways and the city. Maybe there should be signs throughout the city that driving at a certain road (like Quezon or EDSA) requires more discipline instead of limiting it to the highways.

i really admire BF's determination and creativity to instill discipline in the people.. hopefully it all works out and people will develop discipline in the long term..


BF is doing very well, his ideas are unique and effective. There are those people who are against the implementation of mmda projects, lagi na lang puro reklamo ginagawa nila. If they are caught in an accident they always blame the pink fences in the roads put by mmda, but the truth is they drove fast and drunk. Filipinos lacks dicipline, mmda are putting fences along sidewalks and roads just to assure that everyone are in their right places. We are not animals that need to be guided by this fences, kailangan magkusa naman na sumunod sa batas, pag bawal, bawal! :bash:

BF is doing very well, his ideas are unique and effective. There are those people who are against the implementation of mmda projects, lagi na lang puro reklamo ginagawa nila. If they are caught in an accident they always blame the pink fences in the roads put by mmda, but the truth is they drove fast and drunk. Filipinos lacks dicipline, mmda are putting fences along sidewalks and roads just to assure that everyone are in their right places. We are not animals that need to be guided by this fences, kailangan magkusa naman na sumunod sa batas, pag bawal, bawal! :bash:
I agree on this....its just that most Filipinos are lack of discipline...kailangan pang ipa-intindi (back-to-basic) ang traffic rules para malaman ang mali..sigh :bash: ...may nagmamarunong para maka hide from being ill-bred :bash: may nagtigas-tigasan ng ulo to turn them aside from being obstreperous :bash:

^This is so true. It irritates me more when someone, for ex, a bus driver would curse an MMDA official when he already knows that he is doing the wrong thing. Ride a bus, esp in Ayala, and you know what I mean.

Sometimes they would say that MMDA officials are corrupt, I know there are really some, but most of the time drivers are really hard-headed. Now I believe that corruption is just plain perception of hard-headed people who don't want to admit that they are wrong. Bad thing here is when SWS or PulseAsia would interview these kind of people.

And another thing, taxi drivers are very choosy. But when passengers are not around, they would curse the government or any institution that will come suddenly into their malicious minds and reason out poverty, etc.

^^ so true.. the ingrates.. most of the people are hypocrites too

seriously we all have to our part. i was standing on makati ave buying barbq and this girl next to me was eating something with a wrapper , she threw her wrapper on the street when there was a garbage can in front of her. i really told her miss the garbage can is right there. urgh it makes me mad. :mad2:a lot of people don't care really. how do you expect bayani to do his job.

On Late Night with Conan O'Brien, he was doing his usual "Conan Hates My Homeland" skit where he insults countries to get hate mail from countries that actually watch his show. Recently, he said something about the Philippines which was "Mi casa es su landfill" (Bahay ko, basurahan mo / my house is your landfill) and is a play on the Spanish phrase "Mi casa es su casa" (my house is your house). I think that pretty much explains how lazy some people really are with their trash. Nothing like the smell of trash that keeps tourists away. (BTW, that show has so far made fun of countries from letters A to P. The joke about the Philippines was really mild compared to the ones he gave to other countries.)

There are MMDA signboards "Mumunting basura, ibulsa muna" in caloocan city and other places, i also saw this campaign in the MMDA TV Program. Pero wala talagang talab sa mga tao sa lansangan... worst thing is there are people who spit in public places.. yaiks ang baboy talaga! tsk tsk tsk :puke:

On Late Night with Conan O'Brien, he was doing his usual "Conan Hates My Homeland" skit where he insults countries to get hate mail from countries that actually watch his show. Recently, he said something about the Philippines which was "Mi casa es su landfill" (Bahay ko, basurahan mo / my house is your landfill) and is a play on the Spanish phrase "Mi casa es su casa" (my house is your house). I think that pretty much explains how lazy some people really are with their trash. Nothing like the smell of trash that keeps tourists away. (BTW, that show has so far made fun of countries from letters A to P. The joke about the Philippines was really mild compared to the ones he gave to other countries.)

maybe some of his staff, crew or writers are filipinos... :)

^onga. Sa totoo lang my parents always tell me that no one hates tha Filipino more than his fellow Filipino. Crab-mentality is really hard to detach from our culture. And I always hate it when I use "crab-mentality" to identify that silly trait of ours. I think its not an appropriate name. If you observe crabs, you would realize that they are not really pulling their fellows down, rather they are actually pushing them up. Well, that's what my teacher said.

MMDA finds sanitary landfill in Malabon
By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star 08/17/2006

Metro Manila has a new sanitary landfill, covering 20 hectares of land, which will soon be ready to take in tons of trash.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Robert Nacianceno said the new landfill will rise in the city of Malabon within a month.

"We no longer have a problem as to where to dump our garbage, we now have a new one," Nacianceno said.

At present, Metro Manila’s garbage is being dumped at the Rodriguez sanitary landfill, in Clark, and Payatas in Quezon City.

Nacianceno expressed confidence that the new Malabon landfill can accommodate a considerable volume of Metro Manila’s garbage for the next two to three years.

He explained the area was formerly utilized for the operation of fishponds, but is now being developed by R2 Builders owned by businessman Regis Romero.

The property, he said, has mud underneath and is now being laid down with clay to prevent leacheate from sipping out and polluting water sources.

"Nilalagyan na rin ito ng plastic liners para masiguro na walang sisingaw na lecheate," Nacianceno said, assuring the public that the new dump complies with the law on proper waste disposal.

He said the sanitary landfill will be opened to solve the problem of the closure of dumps following the enactment of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Nacianceno urged Metro Manila residents to also help the MMDA in its effort to beautify the metropolis under Chairman Bayani Fernando’s "Metro Gwapo" project.

The agency has been spearheading beautification projects since January, starting with the major roads leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under the Investor’s Route Program.

Nacianceno said other thoroughfares are being improved.

"With a new sanitary landfill, enough men cleaning up, and the public’s support, we will have a better Metro Manila," Nacianceno said.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Cesar Lacuna, for his part, said operations to clear esteros, canals, and other waterways in the metropolis of garbage during the dry season have paid off now that the rains have come.

He noted that water levels no longer rise as high as in the previous years and they subside faster.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/news200608176301.htm

Only registered dump trucks and employed garbage sorters should be allowed access in the new landfill site to prevent the invasion of garbagephilic squatters and collectors like what happened in smokey-m.

MMDA’s new landfill in Navotas, not Malabon
By Jerry Botial
The Philippine Star 08/18/2006

The sanitary landfill in Malabon referred to by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Robert Nacianceno last Wednesday, is actually in Navotas.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco admitted this in an interview yesterday even as he said the town dump is ready to take in Metro Manila’s garbage.

"The site is, in fact, ready in a day or two from now," said Tiangco. "Kaya lang, dump operators Philippine Ecology Systems Corporation might be able to legally start operations in September because of the required paperwork," the mayor said.

The dump abuts the former controlled disposal facility (CDF) of Tanza, which closed last February 16, 2006.

Tiangco said the former Tanza CDF in Navotas is now legally a sanitary landfill and is open to interested local government units.

Earlier, Malabon officials said they were clueless about a new landfill in the city.

City Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta denied knowing anything about the landfill issue even as he renewed his request for the reopening of the now closed Catmon dump "because the city can ill-afford it."

The response was in reaction to a report that quoted Nacianceno that a new sanitary landfill in Malabon, covering 20 hectares, will soon be ready to take in tons of trash."

In its report to Oreta, the city’s Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) also belied the reports in the media.

"Malabon vehemently denies the veracity of such article. I was, in fact, surprised about the pronouncement by the MMDA," said Engineer Enrico Racho, Malabon SWMO chief.

Racho, however, said in the same report that about three months back, representatives from the Phileco visited the Office of the Mayor and introduced a project proposal for a sanitary landfill but "utilizing" the Tanza Sanitary Landfill in Tanza, Navotas. He said he gathered that the landfill could cater to the needs of the local government units in Camanava and Manila.

"Since then, nothing has been finalized nor contracted to that effect by the city government," said Racho.

Oreta in May this year, pleaded for understanding from the Philippine Bar Association (PBA), who filed charges against two other Metro mayors, including himself, for alleged non-compliance with the Philippine Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Oreta said he is trying his best under the circumstances but the city government is hounded by financial constraints.

The mayor has also sought the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) asking the same office to re-open the now closed Catmon dump.

"We would like to reiterate our request for the DENR to re-open the Catmon dump as an immediate solution to our current garbage disposal problem. It is also not true that the Catmon is already full," Oreta said.

Bong Padua, Malabon City’s public information officer, said the city government has enough trouble with its perennial flood problem and would not compound it by building a sanitary landfill for Metro Manila’s garbage.

"The city government and the residents will not allow that landfill in our area," he said.

The Catmon dump has been a closed facility when Oreta assumed office in July last year. The mayor said that in 2004, P42 million of the city’s P501-million budget was set aside for hauling Malabon’s garbage whereas the actual cost has soared to P92 million.

He told The STAR the city spends some P5,000 per truck per day for hauling garbage to Montalban, some 84 kilometers away.

Except for the Payatas facility in Quezon City and the Tanza CDF in Navotas, all open dumps operating in Metro Manila were officially closed last Feb. 16, 2006 as ordered by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. — With Pete Laude

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200608186302.htm

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=16298

MMDA to shame litterbugs

By Tarra Quismundo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:11pm (Mla time) 08/20/2006

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) kicked off on Sunday a shame campaign against Metro residents who turn street sidewalks into mini garbage dumps.

Through its "Balik Basura (Garbage Return)" drive, the MMDA hopes to keep the roads clear of trash and educate people in the metropolis about the importance of proper waste disposal.

Operatives of the MMDA waste management unit will be on the lookout for residents and establishment owners who dispose of their trash improperly.

"All garbage bags that are thrown carelessly on the streets will be returned to where they came from," said MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando.

"People should not get used to throwing garbage out on the streets. They think nothing will happen if they keep on doing this so we hope that with this program, their neighbors, at least, will see that they have done something wrong," he added.

"The proper way to dispose of your garbage is to bring it out the moment the garbage truck passes by your house or your establishment. Wait for the garbage collector before bringing out your trash bags," he added.

^^Yippee! MMDA on the works again! It may sound funny pero at least nadidisiplina ang mga tao!!

nothing funny about that. that's just common sense why would you bring your garbage out on the street when theres no garbage collector yet, so flies amd maggots can fester? They should be imposed a heavy fine if you ask me.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=16298

"All garbage bags that are thrown carelessly on the streets will be returned to where they came from," said MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando.

hilig talaga ni BF sa mga ways na mapapamura rin yung tao sa kanya noh? heheh.. ang tao kasi kahit siya na mali, siya pa magagalit..

dapat lang na gawin sa kanila yun noh..

^actually matagal na iyang balitang iyan. If I'm not mistaken, ginawa niya na ito sa Marikina.

hilig talaga ni BF sa mga ways na mapapamura rin yung tao sa kanya noh? heheh.. ang tao kasi kahit siya na mali, siya pa magagalit..

dapat lang na gawin sa kanila yun noh..


hehehe... karamihan kasi sa pilipino kapag dinaan sa pakiusapan umaabuso...
dapat kamay na bakal ni bayani!! :)

if ever chacha wont push through... i really want him to be the next president...
an engineer, micromanagement style ... :)

from the current roster of politicos we have both old and new (wala na si roco :( ) i cant see anyone at par with his leadership qualities and political will... just look at the marikina clean and orderly and its river bank free of illegal settlers...

... magawa kaya ng ibang mayor ito? like bitchnay and atienza? :) kaya naiinis ako sa mga metro mayors na against kay bayani, kumakampi pa sa mga illegal street vendors na nag occupy ng pedestrian...

I am only wondering why one person cannot be of being discipline himself on this way but on the other can do so. Like if you spit while walking in a street can spit also while walking in your carpeted office corridors or vise versa, if you think can't spit on your carpeted office corridors why can't spit also while walking on public areas. Same attitudes like not throwing garbage or become ilegal vendors as it was prohibited. it's easy to do, why we can't?

I hope that the MMDA would do something to prevent the cargo ships from spilling bunker fuels and other toxic chemicals in the Manila Bay.
The bunker fuels and toxic chemical by-products coming from the cargo ships plus the chemicals that are flushed out from the manufacturing firms around the Pasig River are the main pollutants that killed the bay. These pollutants emit the acrid stench and are more potent than the trash collected from the bay.
Chemical Pollutants (Oil spill and by products from Cargo Ships and Manufacturing firms) + Trash = Dead, Stench Bay


----------------------------------------------------------------------
MMDA sprucing up waterfront
The Metro Manila Development Authority is set to spruce up the Port Area under its ‘‘Metro Guwapo’’ program.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said they would clear the place of informal settlers, vendors and other illegal structures in Aduana and the Radial Road or R-10.

The 11-km stretch is included in the seven major roads program of the agency, needing road fixtures, footbridges, and signs as well as the widening of sidewalks.

“We will remove all the eyesores in the area also in line with President Arroyo’s Investors’ Corridor project,” Fernando said in a weekly radio program.

Last Friday, agency officials discussed the overhaul of the place with representatives from government agencies, led by Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and private trucking and publishing firms.

“Our initial meeting we have outlined how to put the vendors and workers in their proper places,” Fernando said, noting the displaced families would be housed in vacant warehouses, which would serve as bed and bath dormitory.

Old warehouses in the area, Fernando added, would be repaired and repainted.

He said dangling electric wires and cables would also be placed underground as the agency envisioned along the Investors’ Route such as Quirino Avenue, Osmeña Avenue, JP Rizal Avenue, Nichols, Andrew’s Avenue and Edsa.

“We need the cooperation of the people living and doing business in these areas because they would be the model of cleanliness and order for the whole of the metropolis,” Fernando said.

The clearing operations on secondary roads in Port Area such as Atlanta, Delgado, 17th, 11th, and 13th Streets start next month. Dennis Carcamo

^^GO Bayani and MMDA! :okay: Just do it...never mind Atienza and Binay.

Ang galing talga ng MMDA. Mas maraming plano at creative kesa sa mayors ng MM. MAs mabilis pa ang pagkilos kesa rin sa mga mayors.

I was in Metromanila for three weeks last month after an absence of almost 30 years. My two brothers in RP alternately drove our other brothers and lone sister around. Once in a while I get to sit in front and could see the traffic happening in front. During a travel one time near Batasan, I was forced to hold on to something and my right foot tends to press harder on the floor as if vicariously I wanted to press the breakpedal myself. I almost had a faint feeling any moment we would be hitting people who were crossing the street, or the cars in front. When we reached our point of destination, I started to vomit as soon as I got off the car. They asked me why and I told them the truth. I was nervous.

My entire stay in Metromanila was satisfactory though except when we were on the roads.

When we drove throught the NLEX, I noticed that there were some points along the length of the expressway where there were no fence and carabaos could easily get onto the expressway.

nasubukan niyo na bang magpee sa pink urinal?hehehehe

In fact with you guys, when I went last December, I ws dismayed by those railings along EDSA, in fact it was disgusting to see but because of undisplined commuters, MMDA need to this alternative. Sa totoo lang, di naman kailangan lagyan ng big barrier to separate private from public vehicles, dividing islands and low barriers, okey na to see and illusion of wide roads, evn in Makati, Along Ayala, I see the railings, pangit tignan even on sidewalks, kasi lumiliit yung width ng kalsada kung maraming divider. If safe is concern, well I agree on that but why on other countries wala namang high barriers, mas maliwalas kung walang harang. I think the purpose of it kasi di marunong sumunod yung iba na use the pedestrian lanes or overhead bridge. Sana like Marcos time, may jaywalking rules, or like in Malaysia, they put CCTV on public roads and all vehicles are registered to one database, once you are caught disobeying traffic rules, they will send your summoned fines and SMS to your handphones. I think this is a good idea dahil less manpower force on the street that can give more complication if there is a aproblem arises. As long they put a signage that a CCTV was monitoring the public concern. Kahit sana yung mga tumatawid or nagtatapon ng basura dapat I monitor din, with this I think personal discipline will be fully implemented. pati nga sa mga ATM machines dito ay may CCTV na rin dahil madalas yung hacking of ATM machines and even private basement parks, kasi rape case ay laging nangyayari sa basement.

^problem here is that people are hardheaded! Biruin mo ha, may fence na at lahat hindi pa rin sila sumusunod. My gulay, hindi ba sila nahihiya nito. Gawin mo naman MArcos-style tingnan ko lang kung hindi ka kaushan ng human rights. Haaay... Minsan masahol pa nga sa animals ang gingawa ng makukulit na jaywalkers eh. Lalo na pala mga bus ar jeepneys! Mumurahin mo talaga sa katigasan ng ulo. And take note, sila pa ang may ganang magalit.

Hindi mo ba naalala na may mga cameras din na nakalagay sa EDSA dati? Yung tinatawag na non-contact apprehension cherva. Ano nangyari? Hindi pinyagan ng SC. ASAR.

Wala tayong magagawa, even some, of like you understand the real situations, well marami pa rin diyan, trying to show-up they well known to be international standards but it seems they are ignorant to face the reality. Di naman mahirap kung susundin mo, like you said, masyado tayong allergic the Marcos type of situation but naghahanap naman tayo what has been done during the Marcos style. Mabuti pa nuon, tao may takot sa gobyerno and show how they are discipline to international scene disregard of the failure by the Marcoses, but now seems gobyerno ang natatakot sa mga tao (a litttle bit off-topic).

MMDA to remove families living near waterways
By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star 09/11/2006

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando ordered yesterday an immediate inspection of creeks and rivers in the metropolis in an effort to clear these areas of illegal settlers who continue to live dangerously beneath bridges and near esteros.

Fernando instructed control personnel to look into the same after heavy rains triggered flashfloods with water levels reaching chest deep in the last few days.

"I am ordering our people to inspect the San Francisco river in Quezon City and the San Juan river to see if there are families who have encroached on the waterways again," he announced during the MMDA’s weekly radio program aired over dzBB yesterday.

The MMDA chief warned families living along creeks and rivers about the dangers of living in such places, especially during the rainy season.

"I want them to vacate these places immediately since these are danger zones especially during heavy downpours," he said.

Fernando reminded the public of an incident several years ago wherein several persons living along the San Juan river were swept away during a flashflood because one of the bridges was clogged with garbage.

"The strong current swept the makeshift houses along the river and they all drowned," the MMDA chief said.

Fernando stressed tragedies like that could have been prevented. Recent flashfloods on Metro Manila’s streets are often caused by structures and trash blocking the waterways, he said.

The MMDA waterways sanitation division recently attributed flooding in Metro Manila to informal settlers living along creeks, esteros and beneath bridges.

Families often throw their garbage into the rivers and creeks while their makeshift houses also impede the flow of current.

At present, there are an estimated 67,000 families living along rivers and other waterways in different parts of the metropolis.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200609116305.htm

MMDA warns squatters along esteros to move out



By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday reiterated its warning to informal settlers or squatters along rivers, esteros and creeks to immediately move out to avoid the loss of lives and properties which may be their own and spare other residents the miseries of more floods.


MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando urged squatters living along river banks and easement to find a suitable place to live following the heavy rains and floods that hit Metro Manila last weekend.

Fernando summoned his flood control men and ordered them to inspect the waterways that overflowed during the weekend downpour and swept not only known critical areas in the metropolis but even streets and communities that were usually spared by floods.

MMDA Flood Control Unit Director Baltazar Melgar, who heads the agency’s waterways sanitation division, said the unusual high volume of rainfall and the presence of squatter families along the river banks and easement were the major factors for the inundated streets.

However, Melgar said the situation could have been worse if not for the continuous cleaning and de-clogging of drainage systems that Fernando has repeatedly ordered.

"We have to look at the positive side. Given the current resources, I believe the agency did just fine although I have to admit that things would have been a lot better if the squatters were relocated to the designated resettlement sites of the government,’’ Melgar added.

Fernando instructed his men to concentrate on the flood operations along the San Francisco River in Quezon City and the San Juan river near the boundary of San Juan and Manila where water overflowed and flooded low-lying areas nearby.

He also warned informal dwellers staying near the major waterways to move out to prevent casualties when the water in the river gets higher.

Despite Fernando’s pleas of the impending dangers, the squatter families remained adamant and refused to leave, setting down conditions before agreeing to be relocated.

Some demanded that they be given incentives and relocation sites near their places of work before voluntarily vacating their dwellings near the rivers, esteros and creeks.

A squatter living near the river in Talayan Village in Quezon City insisted their right to be paid and moved to a relocation site before the government starts demolishing their shanties.

Fernando warned the squatters to vacate the danger zones since the sudden surge of water may sweep away their shanties and drown the occupants.

He cited the incident years ago when several wooden structures were wiped out by the strong river flow, drowning several members of squatter families along the San Juan River.

Aside from restricting the water current, Melgar said the informal dwellers have practically made the major waterways the private dumping ground of garbage.

The MMDA reported that at least 67,000 families are living near rivers, creeks, esteros, canals, and other waterways in Metro Manila, making it even difficult for the MMDA to maneuver the heavy equipment for flood control operation.

"Ang hirap talaga. The narrow alleys were made even narrower by the illegally constructed structures near the rivers. Our flood control crew are even exposed to harassment and threats since neighborhood hoodlums and thugs usually reside in the squatter colony,’’ Melgar added.

Fernando also took potshots at the local government units (LGU) particularly barangay officials for the proliferation of squatter families near the danger zones and restricted areas.

"They should be the first ones to know that it is prohibited for the people to build structures and live along river banks,’’ Fernando noted.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006091274217.html

BUTI NMN MATANGAL NA ANG MGA SQUATTERS UNDER THE BRIDGES...........SAKIT SA MATA....

GUD JOB...BAYANI!

Some demanded that they be given incentives and relocation sites near their places of work before voluntarily vacating their dwellings near the rivers, esteros and creeks.

Ano sila, sineswerte? dapat na talagang i-basura na ang "Joey Lina Law". It's crazy!!! :bash:

as if they are paying taxes.. they only drain the goverment coffers.. i dont want to get started on the lina law again...

P*TA... sila pa may ganang maghamon.. di nman sa kanila yung lupa... abuso na talaga yang mga squatters na yan... kapal ng mga mukha. di na sila nakakaawa.

^^ Well, we already know who their target market is during upcoming elections.

The Lina law promotes chaos and disorder by bluring property rights and ownerships between the legitimate owners and squatting parties. His narrow cranium didn't realize how his ridiculous law contradicted its own objective of maintaining peace, order and good public policy.

P*TA... sila pa may ganang maghamon.. di nman sa kanila yung lupa... abuso na talaga yang mga squatters na yan... kapal ng mga mukha. di na sila nakakaawa.
Wala ngang lupa dun eh. Estero at ilog sa ilalim ng tulay. Talagang abuso, kapag na-relocate na sila, ipapaupa nila iyong binigay ng gov't sa kanila at babalik ulit mag-squat para maghihintay ulit ng demolition para sa ma-relocate ulit. :gaah:

... libre pa kuryente ng mga yan! kumpleto sa electrical appliances!
... look at your meralco electric bills and see how much meralco charge its customers with the "transmission loss" fu_kin sh_t! ... :bash:

... lahat gusto libre! actually kasalanan ng mga politiko yan e! inalagaan ng husto! :bash:

... pag giniba mo mga bahay nyan eto na "human rights" bullsh_ts!!
... nasan na mga rights nating mga tax payers!

^^sinabi mo pa...here's a link to that transmission or systems losses:
http://www.bulatlat.com/news/5-47/5-47-evat.htm

"For example, consumers are charged the systems loss, an amount consumers pay for electricity lost by Meralco because of pilferage and technical and administrative inefficiency. Some people steal electricity, government allows Meralco to make the honest customers pay for the loss, and the government joins in by taxing the same honest customers who have been made to pay by Meraco for the theft by other people to the tune of 6.52 percent of the systems loss. One’s faith in justice is certainly tested to the limit when one realizes what is going on here."

^^^kahit nga hindi sa squater madami nagnanakaw ng kuryente sobrang kapal ng mga mukha naka aircon pa nga ung iba. Ang purpose lang kasi dapat ng transmission line loss charge is to compensate for the power losses of the transmission lines due to the resistance offered by transmission line itself, since wires are not perfect conductor they tend to absorb power in the form of heat. Eh kaso pati mga nanakaw na kuryente kasama na sa charge ng transmission line loss kaya lalo lumalaki Meralco bill.. :bash:

just wanna share my experience kanina..

About sa mga buwayang MMDA traffic enforcer! I was driving along quirino avenue approching osmena highway when the vehicle infront of me suddenly stop, eh magleleft turn pala sha, kaso asa middle lane kami kaya umiwas na lang ako papuntang kanan. So hinuli sha, kaso pati ako hinuli kasi daw dapat asa bandang right ako kung dederetso ako, eh hello asa middle lane nga kami which is intended for vehicles going straight forward. Syempre d ka pwede magdahilan sa kanila, so kinuha license ko, kaso nung tinitikitan na ako nagtanong ung officer kung nagmamadali ako sabi ko oo, sabi nya aregluhin ko na lang daw. Sabi nya 500 daw tubos ng license sa Makati pa kukunin kaya pwede na daw 200 sa areglo para d na ako maabala. So para lang matapos na dahil nagmamadali nga ako kasi susunduin ko tito ko sa airport at obvious naman na pang kape lang habol nya (kaso sa starbucks ata sha magkakape kaya 200) inbigay ko na. Hay naku nasisira image ng MMDA dahil sa mga yan.. :bash:

MMDA readies pact with LGUs on posters

By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is slated to enter a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) banning commercial advertisements within a 100-meter radius of the center lines of national roads in its bid to get rid of illegal billboards.


MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) chief Roberto Esquivel said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando expressed desire for the agency to be vested with the authority to remove billboards illegally situated and oversized in the 17 towns cities in the metropolis.

Fernando’s office says the MMDA chief has drafted a proposed agreement that would be presented to the office of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno for review.

Fernando maintained that as chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in the National Capital Region and on direct orders from President Arroyo, he has the authority to foresee and supervise the beautification and sprucing up of the metropolis under the "Metro Gwapo" projects.

Esquivel said the proposed agreement would allow proper coordination between the local chief executives and the MMDA in removing misplaced and gigantic billboards that pose danger to motorists and pedestrians.

However, the district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) doubted if all the Metro Manila mayors would agree enter into a memorandum of agreement with the MMDA.

"Sad to say, not all the mayors would agree with the MOA. For one, Mayor (Lito) Atienza (of Manila) has declared that the MMDA has no right to touch the billboards in his area," one of the DPWH district engineers said.

Esquivel expressed optimism, however, that the local government units would accede to the MOA due mainly to the MMDA’s capability to tear down these illegal billboards even during unfavorable weather conditions.

Over the last weekend, some 60 MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group members removed 285 three by nine feet tarpaulin streamers along Circumferential Road 5 (C-5).

The MMDA demolition group also dismantled four large commercial displays posted on the overpass near the Dr. Victor Potenciano Medical Center in Mandaluyong City.


http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006092375273.html

kung pwede lang kase walang maglalagay this just encourages these kotong cops and just perpetuates our image as a very corrupt country. the trouble is the common folks don't comprehend this concept. So we are responsible for our own mess.

MMDA urges public to donate unwanted trees for relocation

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando called on the public to donate their unwanted trees to the agency so they can be relocated.


He said the MMDA has tree doctors and the necessary equipment that can ensure the maximum longevity of the uprooted trees to their appropriate locations in the metropolis.

"We have tree doctors and the tree balling equipment to do this," Fernando added.

Fernando told possible tree donors not to worry since the MMDA has the capability to sustain the life of the trees when they are planted to a more convenient and suitable place.

The call is all meant to discourage individuals from erroneously planting trees along sidewalks, road right-of-ways and other non-designated areas that disrupt the flow of traffic or destroy the pavement that could cost the government additional expenses that could run to several thousands of pesos to repair.

Earlier, Fernando earned the ire of environmentalist and other cause-oriented groups after being mistakenly portrayed as the villain in the "Green Highway" project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Fernando clarified that he is against the haphazard planting of trees along sidewalks, road shoulders and middle of the roads as he stressed that planting activities should be left to the experts.

He emphasized that he is not against the "Green Highway" project, stressing that his role as MMDA and Regional Development Council (RDC) National Capital Region (NCR) chairman empowers him to regulate tree planting activities only on designated locations.

On direct order from President Arroyo, Fernando has the authority to conduct landscaping activities and the growing of ornamental plants on center islands as part of the sprucing up of Metro Manila under the "Metro Gwapo" project. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/09/26/MTNN2006092675524.html

iF bAYANI can install traffic lights and make everybody follow them instead of using people then he'll make me a believer. So they don't need to close all those u-turn slots. It is really a pain to miss one and have to go outside the city to turn to where you're going. If drivers would just drive civilized there wouldn't be any need for such short term backward solutions. it's the 21st century already.

Next to go: Squatters near Metro waterways
By Aurea Calica
The Philippine Star 10/10/2006

After the "killer" billboards, President Arroyo wants authorities to immediately remove squatters and illegal structures near esteros, creeks and rivers to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said dismantling the hazardous billboards was actually the easiest task so far in solving problems during heavy rains.

"The real challenge is how to clear esteros, creeks and rivers. And I have talked with the President about this. We have to do it now," Ebdane said. "It’s high time we work on this. We cannot work piecemeal, we are working on these billboards and yet we have the bigger problem of flooding. So we will do the research because there are some laws that deal with this."

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando admitted the task is "easier said than done," but hopefully the long-time problem can be now addressed.

The national government and local officials have recently been criticized for the lack of political will to relocate squatters especially since they are the major source of votes during elections.

The program to relocate the squatters has been ongoing, but has shown very little progress based on recent reports.

However, Ebdane said the President is dead serious in cleaning up the metropolis and the rest of the country.

"What we will do is check the old maps, establish the original river and creek lines and open them. Those that are found impeding the flow of water, including fishponds, will have to be demolished," Ebdane said.

While it would take only two months to dismantle all billboards that pose as danger to motorists and pedestrians, Ebdane and Fernando said the clearing of waterways would take a long time.

Mrs. Arroyo dropped by at the corner of EDSA and Taft Avenue yesterday to check on the dismantling of billboards in Pasay City. She earlier issued Administrative Order 160 that paved the way for the removal of hazardous billboards in the aftermath of Typhoon Milenyo.

A total of 2,161 billboards along major thoroughfares have been assessed, of which 90 percent would have to be taken down, Ebdane said.

The DPWH said 42 have been dismantled and 18 were being taken down as of yesterday.

Ebdane expressed his gratitude to all sectors that have cooperated as far as the issue of dismantling billboards is concerned.

He said a lot more help, especially from local executives, would be needed to clear esteros and creeks.

"We have a flood control office and we will also seek the cooperation of the local executives and the MMDA because the task will be huge," he said. "We hope we can implement this soon and complete it before the next rainy season."

Meanwhile, over 50 billboards in Muntinlupa City are now the subject of an evaluation being conducted by the local government in coordination with the DPWH.

Carlito Salomon, of the Muntinlupa building office, said an evaluation was initiated even as they await the release of the final implementing rules and guidelines covering construction of new billboards as well as the existing ones in the city.

In the absence of guidelines, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi ordered Salomon to monitor billboards and disallow unfurling of tarpaulins, which he said may pose risks in case another typhoon hits the Metro Manila area.

Salomon said Malacañang issued Administrative Order 160, which directs the DPWH to hold field inspections, evaluations and assessments of all billboards and determine those that are hazardous and pose imminent danger to life, health, safety and property of the general public.

Local officials said if billboards in the city do not comply with the standards set by the DPWH, they will have to be dismantled.

However, the implementing rules for proper construction of billboards and those governing existing ones, were not indicated in the directive. They added that the National Building Code of the Philippines is not specific regarding the specifications of billboard structures.

Salomon said DPWH officials, in partnership with city engineers, would be conducting an inspection of all billboards located along the stretch of the highway from Barangay Tunasan to Sucat anytime soon.

He said the city government has ordered suspension of the operations of 50 billboards to prevent accidents or deaths since six more typhoons are scheduled to hit the country based on data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Salomon added that the city government has already inspected billboards damaged by the recent typhoon.

"These billboards should have been able to withstand winds of 200 kilometers per hour based on the National Structural Code of the Philippines," he pointed out.

He said they expect the new guidelines from the DPWH to set the maximum height and size of billboards as well as the proper right materials to be used in its construction. — With Rhodina Villanueva

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/news200610106301.htm

hay...sana nga...

sana nga!!!

pag nagawa yan ni GMA, nako............the best ka!!!

imagine ang mga estero clear na clear na..that would also mean less garbage na. dahil yung mga taga dun naman talaga ang nagpapadumi sa mga waterways natin.

d best ka PGMA and BF.

MMDA to acquire 4 pumping stations
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police5_oct20_2006
Four pumping stations would help ease the perennial flooding in the eastern part of the metropolis, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority.

The Department of Public Works and Highways would hand over to the agency the facilities, which would serve Taguig City, Pateros and Pasig City.

Engineer Baltazar Melgar, of the flood control office, said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and the public works department technical group have inspected the West of Manggahan flood control project last Wednesday.

%u201CAny time soon, the project undertaken by the DPWH would be turned over to the MMDA,%u201D Melgar said in an interview.

The P3-billion project, funded with the help of the Japan Bank International Cooperation, includes a road dike to facilitate transportation in the three local government units.

Melgar said the 9.5-km route stretching from Bicutan, Taguig, to Taytay, Rizal, had to be modified because of a squatter colony.

The construction started in 1997 but was bogged down by informal settlers at the Pasig%u2019s border with Taytay.

%u201CInstead of going through the squatter%u2019s colony, the project engineers has opted to go around it to further avoid confrontations with the residents,%u201D Melgar said.

The vast property, Lupang Arienda, has long been a battleground between government and illegal occupants claiming ownership of the land.

Fernando said the dike was built to prevent the intrusion of the rising water from the Laguna de Bay.

%u201CIt [lake] has many tributaries or small water channels so when it rains, the tendency of the water is to spill over the areas near it,%u201D explained Melgar, citing the stations would pump the floodwater to the lake, which would serve as a catch basin.

Earlier, Fernando said he expected to reduce the flooding in the metropolis by 80 percent with the mega dike%u2019s completion in the northern section. Dennis Carcamo

Tsk tsk tsk.. Ganoon kalakas ang mga taga-squatters (I mean, informal settlers)?

After billboards, obstructions on roads, waterways are next
By Edu Punay And Nestor Etolle
The Philippine Star 10/21/2006
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610210409.htm

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. ordered yesterday the intensified clearing of roads and drainage systems and the dismantling of all illegal structures that cause traffic accidents and flooding.

Ebdane directed regional and district engineers to inspect highways, bridges, culverts and drainage canals in their respective areas and immediately remove all obstruction, even as the department continues the dismantling of illegal billboards.

This developed as billboard operators and product advertisers agreed to adopt a policy that no advertising shall be placed on billboards that violate existing laws, as the private sector’s contribution to the government’s effort to regulate the outdoor advertising industry.

In an unprecedented move, the Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard) declared in its latest policy statement on the billboard issue, that it will not approve contracts for billboards that violate the law as provided in the National Building Code.

Ebdane said the focus of the new demolition order are squatter shanties along canals, waterways and underneath bridges that contribute to the perennial flooding problem in Metro Manila.

"We have to prevent conversion of public highways, waterways, and infrastructures for our own private use," Ebdane added.

He said illegal structures within the right-of-way of national roads that cause traffic congestion also pose danger to both motorists and pedestrians.

Ebdane said stores, vulcanizing shops and other commercial establishments that have encroached on the road right-of-way will be demolished. He said the law prohibits construction of any structures that encroaches on the road’s right-of-way.

He assured owners of illegal structures that written notices will be issued to them to give them time to transfer to another area.

Ebdane, however, warned stubborn owners of illegal structures that proper charges will be filed against them if they refuse to demolish their establishments.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified its road clearing operations after typhoon "Milenyo" wreaked havoc in Metro Manila last Sept. 28, toppling electric posts, trees and billboards along highways.

One person died when a billboard collapsed on a passing vehicle in Makati City at the height of the storm.

The department’s Task Force Oplan Baklas Billboard said some 2,240 unsafe and illegal billboards have been dismantled nationwide as of Thursday.

More: http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610210409.htm

MMDA seeks better ties with NCRPO





Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando is slated to meet with Chief Supt. Rey Roderos, the deputy chief for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), to discuss how the two agencies could improve their coordination in implementing their policies and programs.


Roderos is the deputy of new NCRPO chief Director Reynaldo Varilla.

"I hope there would be better coordination and working relationship with the new Metro police chief and the MMDA," Fernando was quoted as saying during the regular Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting. MMC is the policy making body of the MMDA.

During the MMC gathering, some Metro mayors aired their concerns about the inaction of the local police force in their respective areas. "Even some members of the police force could not follow regulations," one of the local chief executives said.

Despite the mayors’ numerous concerns, Fernando expressed hope of a better working relationship with the NCRPO.

"We also want to sit down with (NCRPO officials) to outline the scope of the functions of the police in line with our Metro Gwapo program," he said, noting that coordination is vital to promote harmonious working relations among various government entities.

Fernando earlier scored some policemen for protecting billboards from demolition during the height of the agency’s drive against commercial ads.

"And worse, our people have been arrested several times. They (policemen) should be the ones helping us because we are both government workers, but they end up protecting the welfare of others’ business interests," he said.

Fernando and Roderos are expected to meet any time next week.

For his part, MMDA-Sidewalk Clearing Operations (SCOG) head Bobby Esquivel also decried the lack of assistance from the police whenever they remove illegal structures and obstructions from the streets.

"Sadly, we have to protect our own men when our people get hurt because unruly persons are preventing us from doing our jobs," Esquivel said in a recent interview. (Chito A. Chavez)


http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006102177702.html

Repairs on Edsa to last till December – MMDA

By Jocelyn Uy
Inquirer
Last updated 05:43pm (Mla time) 10/28/2006


EXPECT heavy traffic every weekend on Edsa until December, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority warned motorists Saturday.

The MMDA has been repairing portions of the main thoroughfare for three weekends now and it would last until the first week of December, said MMDA Traffic Operations Center executive director Angelito Vergel De Dios.

"But as much as possible we want it to be finished by November 15. We can't let the repair works extend until Christmas because traffic will be unbearable for motorists by that time," Vergel De Dios told the Inquirer.

He said the concrete road re-blocking of certain portions of Edsa will be carried out every weekend, starting 10 p.m. Friday until 4 a.m. Monday.

"Motorists should bear with the traffic. We really have to finish [the repairs]," he added.

Meanwhile, Zandro Bondoc of the MMDA Metrobase advised the public to avoid until early Monday morning the southbound lane of Quezon Avenue, Connecticut Street in Cubao, the Aurora Boulevard underpass in Quezon City; the northbound lane in front of SM Megamall Building A in Ortigas, Pasig; Estrella and Orense Streets in Makati City.

He said from North Avenue, southbound motorists could take the C-5 Road or Gilmore and Ortigas Avenues to avoid the traffic caused by the repairs.




http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=29284

MMDA is actually doing a great job in gardening in metro manila...

^^ Yeah, some of the road island gardens are quite beautiful especialy the ones near the Quezon Avenue overpass... though some are neglected....

Dapat simulan na ito!

MMDA: ‘Estero’ families must go
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_nov1_2006
By Dennis Carcamo
At least 2,000 squatter families along three esteros in Manila are up for eviction, stated the Metro Manila Development Authority.
MMDA flood operations, in tandem with the local barangays and the city engineering office, are directed at shanties in the vicinities of Osmeña and Quirino Avenues.
“The notices have lapsed last Friday... they would be evicted from areas,” said Baltazar Melgar, flood control chief.
Also in the drive are the National Housing Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Under its charter, the agency is empowered to remove structures along waterways, such as rivers and creeks, considered danger zones during inclement weather.
“Although we have no relocations for these people, the financial assistance [from] the agencies could be used as fare back to their provinces,” said Melgar.
But he said government agencies would take sometime to raise P10 million to give P5,000 for each household.
In his hard-nosed stance, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando shunned any money incentive, stressing that the settlers were “professionally” occupying properties.
“Many of them would eventually come back [and] squat again,” Fernando was quoted as saying during last week’s directors’ meeting.
The agency reckons more than 70,000 families housed along waterways in the metropolis amid a sordid lack of relocation sites.
Melgar has blamed the perennial flooding in Metro Manila to garbage dumped in esteros and riverbanks.
Earlier, Public Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. vowed to dismantle illegal structures along waterways after the demolition of giant billboards.

how about the squatters in the PNR line in paranaque and tagig areas? makati had removed theirs and the area was so clear..ang gandang tingnan.
i wonder if they will do it now, election is fast approaching...he he he

^paranaque and pasay? never mind! hay naku, I'm still having problems with our mayor here. He makes bad, as in bad desicions. Tsk, tsk... I don't think they will tear those structures down just yet. They even renovated or repainted the walls facing SSH to hide the "informal settlers" there. It only means one thing: they will not get out ASAP. haay...

With the Moderators permission, I'll be posting some pictures of Metro Gwapo initiatives in Marikina City. I used a 1.3 Megapixel Cam Phone.

http://www.geocities.com/kuya_chito/a04142006_003.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/kuya_chito/a04142006_004.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/kuya_chito/a04142006_005.jpg

Renovation works include painting (well pastel colors are predominant), replacement of wooden and concrete walls, roofs and gates. The city government also enforced a 1 meter sidewalk from the gutter to the property line of the houses. Everything (except power poles) within that 1 meter sidewalk was removed.

Notice the White Gate in the center of the first picture (the structure with yellow walls) is actually brand new, the city government replaced the gate in exchange for moving the gates' foundation. (Originally, the foundation of that gate is around 30cm from the gutter)


while i appreciate the government's projects, i would also suggest to install a lot of reinforced 20' side sound-barrier walls to cover those old houses instead, along the stretch of all national roads and highways with similar odd sights. these barriers can also have pedestrian access installed for all the designated bus stops.

this way, it can not only protect its residents from being hit by the passing cars, it can also improve the sights, and to reduce noise/smog pollutions from vehicles a lot better, and that may also keep the drivers/motorists focus on their drivings and away from accidents.

this scheme is being used in almost all the industrious countries including canada, s. korea, and japan.

why not? :)

^paranaque and pasay? never mind! hay naku, I'm still having problems with our mayor here. He makes bad, as in bad desicions. Tsk, tsk... I don't think they will tear those structures down just yet. They even renovated or repainted the walls facing SSH to hide the "informal settlers" there. It only means one thing: they will not get out ASAP. haay...

Yep paranaque's gonna take awhile sa ganyan. Sa Bicutan Palengke palang e..

Litterbugs to learn tidiness tit-for-tat
By Dennis Carcamo

The Metro Manila Development Authority is stepping up its balik basura drive as small dumps have started to form in certain sections of major roads.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said many residents were still ignoring the agency’s garbage collection efforts, necessitating some form of sanction.

“We would intensify our balik-basura program to teach the public about the door-to-door garbage collection policy which has been approved by the Metro Manila Council,” Fernando said during the weekly directors’ meeting at the agency’s building in Makati City.

In practice, the garbage collection is signaled by the sound of a brass bell when residents would put out their trash to prevent the piling up of trash on the streets.

With the balik basura program, he said households would pick up the habit of waiting for the truck instead of just leaving their refuse outside.

“This way the sacks of garbage would not be scattered on the street by stray dogs or animals,” he explained.

Members of the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group would promptly return the dumped garbage to the erring residents.

Even as the agency is constrained to enforce stricter measures, the MMDA Sanitation Management Office has monitored piles of garbage along C-5 in the cities of Taguig and Makati, Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila, including the so-called “Investors’ Corridor.”
Click here for more:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_nov13_2006

P6m dangled before squatters on Paco creek
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police5_nov15_2006

The Metro Manila Development Authority will allocate P6 million to assist at least 1,000 illegal settlers along Estero de Paco in Manila whose shanties are up for demolition before year-end.

Flood control chief engineer Baltazar Melgar said he would submit to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando this week a census for the planned resettlement and its financial component.

“We would try to raise it to give them some time to rent out a decent house if they are not qualified to the NHA housing program,” Melgar said yesterday.

Upon approval, each of the 1,191 families living along the waterway would get P5,000.

The creekside settlers are spread on 12 barangays on a stretch from United Nations Avenue to South Superhighway.

Melgar said they have deferred the demolition last month after residents appealed to Malacañang to buy time.

The residents said rental was prohibitive and that their enroled children would be displaced.

Aside from the grace period, they also sought resettlement.

“Under the law, they are not qualified for relocation program of the government and we don’t need any court order to demolish their shanties along and under the estero,” Melgar said, noting that ample time was given them to vacate voluntarily.

Also lined up for clearing operations were Estero Tripa de Gallina and Estero de Pandacan, within the so-called the Investors’ Corridor which the agency was sprucing up to attract business opportunities. Dennis Carcamo

how did the problem get so bad and out of hand that colonies of people have to live underneath the bridges. :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:
Do you think they need to have more kids?

Relocation of estero squatters planned

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may have to raise R6 million if it hopes to relocate the more than 1,000 squatters living near the banks of the Estero de Paco in Manila before the end of the year.


MMDA Flood Control Unit chief Baltazar Melgar said the plan is still subject to the approval of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando as the agency has yet to submit the census for the chairman’s scrutiny.

The MMDA conducted recently a survey to determine the number of families who may avail themselves of the housing program of the National Housing Authority.

"We would try to raise it to give some time to rent out a decent house if they are not qualified for the NHA housing program," Melgar noted.

Melgar added that the informal dwellers living within the easement and above the major waterways are disqualified from any relocation sites as the esteros, creeks and rivers are classified as danger zones.

"Under the law, they are not qualified under relocation program of the government and we don’t need any court order to demolish their shanties along and under the estero," Melgar said.

Contrary to claims of harassment, the MMDA has given advance notice to the squatters to give them enough time to voluntarily demolish their shanties and relocate elsewhere.

For humanitarian reasons, Melgar said the MMDA has deferred the demolition of the illegal structures several times while awaiting the response of President Arroyo to the appeal of the concerned parties.

The close to 1,191 squatter families living in makeshift houses along the estero stretching from United Nations Avenue to the South Super Highway appealed to the President for assistance.

While others begged for more time, others asked for government aid in providing them with relocation, claiming they could not afford to rent an apartment in the city where most of their children are studying.

Melgar said the MMDA would shell out R5,000 each for the 1,191 families who are not qualified under the government housing project once Fernando approves the doleout.

The MMDA is also training its sight on the demolition of illegally constructed structures along the Estero Tripa de Gallina and Estero de Pandacan in Manila that are both located in the Investors’ Route of the "Metro Gwapo" project.

On orders of the President, Fernando started the "Metro Gwapo" project where the MMDA spruced up and initiated beautification projects on major thoroughfares used frequently by local and foreign tourists in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry and entice businessmen to invest locally. (Chito A. Chavez)

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2006111779958.html

My bago nanamang project MMDA naglagay sila ng speakers sa mga traffic light post malapit sa major pedestrian lanes na my mga prerecorded safety reminders. Natuwa nga ako eh..hehehe Sa espana ko una napansin un tapos sa ortigas nung pumunta ako kanina meron ding mga naka install dun. Wish ko lang sumunod mga commuters at pedestrians. Ang malala baka mamya pag interesan ng mga mapagsamantala, wag naman sana nakawin. Galing talaga ni Bayani!:rock:

^^ Ang cute naman, okay ba yung boses nung nagsasalita?

ok naman boses, tagalog sha..

SC allows MMDA’s ‘wet flag’ scheme
By Jose Rodel Clapano
The Philippine Star 11/21/2006

The Supreme Court declared yesterday that the "wet flag" scheme implemented earlier by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is legal.

The scheme was meant to discourage pedestrians from violating the anti-jaywalking law and keep them on the sidewalks while waiting for a ride.

In a six-page en banc resolution penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the high court dismissed the petition filed by lawyer Ernesto Francisco, which seeks to stop the MMDA from implementing the controversial scheme.

The high court said the anti-jaywalking ordinances enacted by cities and municipalities are sufficient basis for MMDA to implement various schemes, including the wet flag scheme, to enforce regulations.

"After all, the MMDA is an administrative agency tasked with the implementation of rules and regulations enacted by proper authorities," the SC said.

In seeking to stop the MMDA’s wet flag scheme, Francisco said it has no legal basis for it because the Metro Manila Council, MMDA’s governing body, did not authorize it.

Francisco also said the scheme is unconstitutional because it violates the pedestrians’ right to due process and disregards constitutional provisions against cruel, degrading and inhuman punishment.

He said the wet flag is also likely to cause accidents and injuries to pedestrians who scamper to avoid getting wet.

Under the scheme, MMDA’s mobile units deployed along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila throws a wet flag measuring about 7 X 5 feet to pedestrians violating anti-jaywalking laws.

In ruling in favor of the scheme, the SC said it could not make a factual determination of whether the scheme is a reasonable enforcement of anti-jaywalking ordinances because it is not a "trier of facts."

"The petitioner proffers mere surmises and speculations on the potential hazards of the flag scheme. This court cannot determine the reasonableness of the flag scheme based on mere surmises and speculations," the high court said.

It added that Francisco also violated the doctrine of hierarchy of courts when he filed the petition directly to the SC instead of bringing it first to a lower court.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said the SC’s decision confirms what they have been saying all along regarding the agency’s power to implement laws.

He said the ruling shows that the high tribunal recognizes how the MMDA is obliged to implement laws as well as devise ways, means or schemes to enforce it.

"The SC validated what we have been explaining from the beginning by ruling in favor of how we are implementing anti-jaywalking ordinances," Nacianceno told The STAR. — With Michael Punongbayan

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/news200611216301.htm

i just discovered that the traffic lights in lacson -espana can talk!!! :lol:

nagulat lang ako nung nakatayo ako sa side, biglang may narinig ako na nagsasalita yun pala ung poste!!! :lol:

^^ for real Ish? what does it says? :D

nagsasalitang poste? wow.. :) that's new.. i suppose it's talking to the pedestrians, since it can't talk to the drivers inside their cars...

^^yup for pedestrians. They installed speakers in major pedestrian lanes for some safety reminders. Nakakagulat nga pag 1st time mo narinig..hehehe :lol:

nakakagulat talaga!!! medyo mahina yung sa espana-lacson kase maingay eh...

pero kanina yung sa may pureza naman sobrang lakas!!!:D

"paalala lang poh sa mga tumatawid na... " :lol:

Naglalagay ang MMDA ng foodbridge ngayon sa my welcome rotonda, at ilang metro lang ang distance nya sa mismong Marker ng rotonda. Kaya matatakpan ung rotonda mismo ng footbrige. Sana underpass na lang ginawa nila.

Oh, that's a big thing, because talking traffic lights are advanced and first-world qualities.

MMDA to open overnight inns for wage earners
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=37482
By Tarra Quismundo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:35am (Mla time) 12/11/2006

STARTING next year, minimum wage workers in Metro Manila will be able to avail of clean and safe lodgings for only P25 a night.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will launch on Monday (Dec. 11) its “Tulugan sa Bayan” project which aims to put up an inn that can provide affordable temporary shelter to laborers, contractual employees and transients.
“This will provide facilities for workers and transients who may be living a distance away from the city center so they would not have to spend so much for their fare. For P25, they could stay at the inn for 12 hours … We are not doing this to make money; the fee would be used to keep the facility well-maintained,” MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando said Sunday.

The “workers’ inn” is a joint undertaking by the MMDA and the National Power Corp. which has offered the use of its four-story building on Bonifacio Drive near Intramuros, Manila.

The old Napocor building would be fitted with double-deck beds to accommodate about 1,000 persons at a time. The ground floor would be leased out to canteen owners to give them an appropriate place of business and, at the same time, provide workers a place where they could buy affordable meals.

“It would probably take two months for us to fix up the place. So by February, it might already be operational. It would have rooms with double-bunk beds and common bathrooms and toilets, then we would have a food court on the ground floor,” Fernando said.

“There are no reservations. Service is on a first-come, first-serve basis. They could come in after office hours, around after five, then spend the night, and they would have to be out before 10 a.m. for the cleaning, so that nobody could claim that one person overstayed,” the MMDA chair told the Inquirer over the phone.

Fernando said the inn would have a “significant effect” on the traffic situation in the metropolis as well as the lack of shelter for the huge number of transients who arrive in the city every day.

“There are workers who sleep under bridges, on the street and when we find them relocation areas, they tend to come back. So this is a solution for us to eliminate the problem of illegal dwellers,” he added.

According to Fernando, the program could also “solve the volatility of employment,” which often has entire families moving from one place to another when the work contract of the head of the family has expired.
“The worker will not have to uproot his entire family from their home every time [he looks for a new job]. It’s only the worker that has to move, and that reduces by four the number of people who would have been added to the Metro’s population,” Fernando explained, using the government’s standard five-per-family estimate.

The inn in Intramuros is envisioned by the MMDA to be the first of at least 40 similar facilities that it hopes to put with the help of the private sector.
“This will be a pilot project, then the private sector could come in. We have to initiate it so we can show that it is a viable undertaking. It will be a model, then we will set standards for cleanliness, order, the rights and privileges of [bed spacers] and the obligations of operators,” Fernando said.

^^ That's good, it's like P750 a month kung dun ka tutulog gabi-gabi for a month.

MMDA builds 11 footbridges
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police3_jan2_2007

At least 11 footbridges would be erected this year to ease traffic congestion and prevent accidents on major roads, the Metro Manila Development Authority said.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the additional spans were set to be opened early next month.

“Eleven more footbridges in the whole of Metro Manila would be finished by February,” he said in a radio program over the weekend, noting that the construction started middle of last year.

There are 72 footbridges now in use with 43 more in the drawing boards, Fernando added.

Meanwhile, Fernando said the agency’s maintenance crews would be repairing the worn out sections of Edsa beginning Friday.

“We have still portions [of Edsa] to be rehabilitated.”

Fernando said the placing of yellow markings for the public utility bus lane would have to wait until the repair work is completed.

“This way we would save time and money in putting the markings which needed repainting,” he stressed.

Late last year, MMDA timed the repair on Edsa day earlier than its usual work on weekends to avoid clogging traffic during the holiday rush.

Agency crewmembers and contractors usually started around 10 p.m. during Fridays and stop Monday around 5 a.m.

On Jan. 5, Friday, the agency would start the repair on the damaged portions of Edsa. Dennis Carcamo

oy nde ka na banned
ano ba nangyari

anyway...nice news

^^yup for pedestrians. They installed speakers in major pedestrian lanes for some safety reminders. Nakakagulat nga pag 1st time mo narinig..hehehe :lol:

that can freak out someone big-time, especially someone drunk:D

here in Sydney when the pedestrian can walk across the zebra stripes a beeping sound come up so as to signal they can go across.

Soon tourists might ask for multilingual speaking reminders

Maganda po ang ginagawa ng MMDA. Saludo po ako kay Bayani Fernando.

^^ Si Bayani Fernando na lang kaya for President?

Baka naman kapag nalaman ni GMA ito, sirain siya. tsk tsk

Hayaan ko na lang siyang gawin yung job niya ng mahusay at matiwasay.

well GMa has to pass the throne someday . Bayani would be a good beneficiary.

Oo nga Bayani for president!:rock:

@ lili, crappypants (wuz ur real name cause i ain't gonna keep callin u crappypans), and yul


Bayani Fernando would make a great president, we've never had a civil engineer as president before, but he will most certainly lose. He has been instrumental in dismantling many informal settlements in MM and has butted heads with many of the them, he will not have the support of the masses unfortunately.

Well, if those masses can easily be swayed by movie stars, then through some creative advertising and some political mudslinging, Bayani can win them over. I've never seen political ads in the Philippines before but here in the US, sometimes the worst people end up winning through deceiving ads. Not that I'm saying Bayani is a bad candidate for presidency, but how do you get past movie stars, nutty religious readers, and ERAP/Marcos cronies all running for office as well?

Usually yung mga makakapal lang ang mukha ang nananalo kahit na wala namang interes paunlarin ang bayan.

Well, if those masses can easily be swayed by movie stars, then through some creative advertising and some political mudslinging, Bayani can win them over. I've never seen political ads in the Philippines before but here in the US, sometimes the worst people end up winning through deceiving ads. Not that I'm saying Bayani is a bad candidate for presidency, but how do you get past movie stars, nutty religious readers, and ERAP/Marcos cronies all running for office as well?

With a name recall such as Bayani Fernando (not to mention his achievements), I think he has a strong fighting chance.

Bayani na, Fernando po pa. :okay:

O di hit mo na yang middle class and masa dyan.

Traffic gridlock until March


By Dennis Carcamo

Motorists and commuters will have to agonize over road jams until the end of March because of the ongoing Edsa rehabilitation, the Metro Manila Development Authority said.

“But as we continue with the repair, the volume of vehicular traffic has eased up a little unlike the previous months when the diggings started,” noted MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno in a radio program yesterday.

When the contractors stopped on the second week of December last year for the holiday break, 66 percent of the damaged portions had been reportedly restored.

He said many road users have begun using other routes to avoid Edsa weekends when contractors practically work on 200 to 500 sq m on stretches, putting vehicular flow to a standstill.

“Aside from the rehabilitation of Edsa, we are also restoring the sidewalks and putting some new lamp posts,” Nacianceno said.

Repairs start 10 p.m. during Fridays and stop on Monday around 5 a.m.
In the last working repair schedule last year, the agency’s contractors finished the rehabilitation of portions of Metro Rail Transit north station, intersection of North Avenue (northbound), in front of Pedrollo and MRT North Station (southbound), Cubao Underpass (northbound), MRT Santolan Station (southbound), in front of Caltex (Boni-Mandaluyong area, southbound), and Estrella to Guadalupe (northbound).

Next to be dug up for re-blocking are 500 sq m of concrete in front of North Road-Rail Terminal (north and southbound), 300 sq m after Kamuning Flyover to GMA-Kamuning MRT station, 200 sq m at Santolan MRT (in front of Camp Aguinaldo-Gate 4, southbound).

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_jan15_2007

One of the "talking postes"

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_1404.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_1403.jpg

just look at marikina. it speaks for itself.

ay MMDA project ba ito... I thought it was just in QC...

oo, madami yan sa buong metro manila..

does any one knows how much a Urinal cost to built... mag papa gawa ako e.... ("j)

25K ata, napanood ko dati noong minsang ifeature ang mga mapapanghing urinal sa tv...hehehe

astig wow salamat.... e yung construction ng footbridge kya ng mmda??("j) bilib nako sayo tol pag alam mo....("j) ASTIG!

naku d ko na alam un nho, tsaka d na fix price nun kasi depende kung gano kataas at kahaba footbridge. :) Sana ung mga urinal ng MMDA installan nalang nila ng "Water free" urinals, ung uso ngayon sa mga malls.. Para d naman masyadong mabaho and less maintenance pa. Kaso baka nakawin lang, my kamahalan pa naman un.

tol halata mo na siguro na nggigigil ako sa footbridge no?? ("j) pati dun sa isang thread.....("j)

mga tol price naman ng footbridge??? how much per cubic meter??? magpapatayo ako sa monumento....("j)

MMDA clears Sta. Mesa bridge of illegal vendors
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=63526
By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN
The Philippine Star

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) conducted another operation against illegal vendors in Sta. Mesa, Manila Wednesday in preparation for traffic improvement plans in the area.

Hundreds of illegal vendors were forced to vacate the vicinity of the Sta. Mesa Bridge in Altura where a U-turn slot will be placed.

MMDA—SCOG chief Bobby Esquivel said they have long been warning ambulant vendors in the area against blocking roads and sidewalks but they did not heed the warnings.

Some 200 personnel were tasked to carry out the clearing operation and were met with the usual resistance.

"No one was hurt, fortunately. We cleared the Altura area because we will be putting up a U-turn slot there," Esquivel said.

"The U-turn slot will hopefully improve traffic flow in the area because vehicles will no longer have to stop," he explained.

MMDA-SCOG operatives recently conducted an anti-illegal vendor operation in Baclaran where they were allegedly attacked by residents.

One was killed while three others were hurt in the incident. Police have yet to determine who fired the gun that killed the victim.

Esquivel claimed that his men did not fire a gun, noting that since they are all in uniform, they would be easy to identify.

merong clearing operations sa ccp?

Yikes. Makes you feel sorry for those who make a living running these stores but the law is the law.

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/3836/MMDA-dismantles-bike-rental-shops-at-CCP-complex

MMDA Gen Mgr Robert Nacianceno was a guest in TV program in NBN 4 last night Feb 1, 2007 and he gave some interesting information on the MMDA projects for the next three years. He said that there was already a blessing of the Pasig ferry system so hopefully tuloy na yang operation na yan very sson. He also said that there are 6 NEW BRIDGES to span Pasig River to further ease traffic flow. He just gave hints on two of those bridges... one is between Guadalupe and the C-5 bridge and the other is one in Rockwell. So I assume that Rockwell bridge is the one passing through Noah's Ark. But I think the Rockwell Bridge is more of a privately funded project with the aid of the Lopezes. Sana these bridges are not your typical run-of the mill concrete bridge. Hopefully the designs are more artistic, preferably steel types or cable bridges and pleasing to the eyes since it's been a very very very long time since we have a new bridge spanning over the Pasig river. As to the other 4 bridges, does anyone have any idea where they will be located?

I think crucial yang mga bridges na yan to at least give the motorists some other options when crossing the pasig river. Once nagawa na yang other bridges na yan, I think MMDA can rehabilitate some of those narrow bridges especially the one going into the Rosario Pasig area.

^^wow totoo ba iyan, fantastic, specially in terms of traffic if they can build that many bridges.

Inside the MMDA pink urinal...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_020207_036x.jpg

What my pic didn't capture is the stench...

i never tried to pee in one of those things... anong feeling? :)

Wala siyang running water, how can these guys even wash their hands???

cesspool of bacterias right there.

Haha. Worst idea award goes to......

Actually, it's not a bad idea. But it was done wrong.

i never tried to pee in one of those things... anong feeling? :)

Ayaw lumabas eh, dahil siguro sa sobrang panghe nahiya, pero naiihi na talaga ako that time, so binalik ko na lang sa loob ng pantalon ang "ehem" ko (para di masama sa pic. :nuts: ) at kumuha na lang ng pic ng kadiring urinal. Sa Wilcon Builder's Depot na ako nakapag-CR.

The alternative of course is that iihi ang mga tao sa kahit anong tabi. Better and cheap na bubulok bulok na urinal kaysa saan saan umiihi ang mga tao, so lahat ng paligiran sa metro mapanghi. Wala naman totoong budget iyan, so pang puede na.

remember...

don't jingle here

jingle on the walls and meralco post.....

jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

I hope MMDA will remove all those public urinals and build more public CR instead.

Inside the MMDA pink urinal...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_020207_036x.jpg

What my pic didn't capture is the stench...

galing at least may visual na ang babae sa mga lalakeng urinal

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/421021344_af45dfe7e0_b.jpg

by Ronald Cordero - Flickr

^^ ^^ An art?
Oh an art!...?:nuts:

ano ba ang sakop ng mmda sa tulay sa BB or tuliahan ba yun?

reroute ng mga vehicles ba ang sakop nila doon? salamat

Pangtakip lang naman ng vandal sa pader yang MMDA art.

Stop killing EDSA trees, MMDA urged

By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The Philippine Star

The Philippine Bar Association (PBA) and the environmentalist group Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) are now asking the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to stop killing and uprooting trees along EDSA.

Both are denouncing the agency and its workers for allegedly decimating some 37 grown trees from White Plains Avenue to Boni Serrano Avenue fronting Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Former president and current PBA committee on environment chairman Linda Jimeno said their group and the MEF are calling on the MMDA to immediately put an end to the killing of trees along EDSA.

According to her, global warming is already a problem and is "threatening our very existence as inhabitants of this planet."

"Pollution and the rising heat may be alleviated by the presence of these trees yet instead of planting thousands more, the MMDA is destroying them. The city is where we need them the most," Jimeno told The Star in an interview.

MEF chairman Sonia Mendoza said the MMDA is making it appear that the trees are being balled and not being killed outright.

"I took photos and I saw the pitiful state of the trees that were still standing," she said.

I'm not sure if other EDSA users have noticed the wall art sculptures by MMDA Metro Gwapo on the northbound side across the Pet Plans Bldg...

it features people who does good the Metro Gwapo way.. I haven't got the chance to take pictures of it though...

^^ I also saw that on the southbound lane of EDSA between Estrella and Buendia.

last night when I tried to check it again... it appears that they are putting these sculptures or frames are being installed of free walls.... it looked nice to see them along the sidewalks... and yeah I saw them also being installed on the southbound side near the pedestrian overpass near Estrella St.

^^Meron ding floral design. Most likely, the Cadena de Amor.

Sa 2008, GWAPITO
Sa 2010, GWAPO

:lol:

The chairman’s word: Metro
Manila to see less floods (http://businessmirror.com.ph/05282007/nation04.html)
By Claudeth Mocon
Correspondent


METRO Manila will have lesser floods this year as drainage systems were declogged and garbage was removed during the dry season to ensure the continuous flow of water on the major waterways of the metropolis.

Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) told reporters that the agency’s flood control and sewerage management office is maintaining a 24-hour schedule in cleaning the rivers, canals, esteros and drainage systems in preparation for the rains.

Director Baltazar Melgar, MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management chief, however, appealed anew to the public to dispose of garbage properly and to refrain from dumping this on inlets, drainage mains, canals, ponds and other major waterways.

His appeal came as the agency collected 750 dump truckloads of garbage from various waterways of Manila, only to retrieve approximately the same volume the following day.

Although acknowledging the flood control duties of the MMDA, Melgar said the public should also share in the responsibility of ensuring less flooding in the metropolis by properly disposing of waste materials and strictly adhering to the door-to-door garbage collection scheme of the MMDA and the local governments.

The door-to-door garbage collection scheme allows household members to bring out the refuse only when the garbage trucks are available.

Melgar said that system prevents the public from putting the bags of waste on the ground where cats, dogs and other stray animals can scratch the garbage or plastic bags and scatter the discards, mostly plastics, on the road.

“Usually, plastic materials find their way on the drainage mains. It is common knowledge that they are nonbiodegradable. Pag hindi natutunaw o nabubulok barado na naman ang drainage kaya nagbabaha. Madalas kasi kalilinis lang naming barado na naman uli ang inlet dahil sa basura,’’ Melgar added.

Another ‘Gwapotel’ to rise in QC (http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN2007052894785.html)


By CHITO CHAVEZ

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando bared plans to convert the Quezon Institute (QI) on E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City into a similar lodging inn.

"The President has ordered us to study the opening of additional facility similar to the one we have last week at Port Area in Manila and among these is the Quezon Institute," said Fernando.

Reports confirmed that most of the clients of the "MMDA: Gwapotel" are passengers waiting for their transport to the Visayas and Mindanao regions and seamen processing their documents and papers in Metro Manila.

Port workers, including stevedores, he said, are also using the facility as well as employees of the nearby Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who are residing in Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite and Batangas.

He said that the occupancy rate of the "MMDA: Gwapotel" reached 100 persons daily proving the comfort it brings to Metro Manila workers residing outside the metropolis.

Fernando said that the occupancy rate of the "Bed and Bath" Inn for workers will increase in the coming months.

He encouraged workers and employees in the metropolis but residing in the provinces to stay in the facility instead of spending more for transportation fares on their way home.

The facility is equipped with 390 double deck beds that can accommodate 780 occupants at the same time in one night.

For only P25, an individual can enjoy one night of restful sleep and an unimpeded nice bath of eight minutes to restore energy and to freshen up once aching body a lot cheaper than spending an average of P150 of transportation fare per day.

If an occupant wishes to bathe longer, the individual only has to drop one P5 coin in the coin box to enjoy another eight minutes of running water.

The MMDA chief insisted that less number of commuters translates to fewer vehicles on the streets allowing the smoother flow of traffic on known problematic spots and inner roads of Metro Manila especially during rush hours.

President Arroyo had included in her 10-point agenda the MMDA: Gwapotel project as one of the prime components of improving the traffic situation in the metropolis.

Fernando said that various eateries are open on the ground floor of the old Napocor Building that will serve breakfast and early lunch to clients.

The third floor of the MMDA: Gwapotel building is open for female customers only.

G. Araneta (near E. Rodriguez) looks cleaner now. Just don't mind the color scheme used by MMDA. Shots I took just this afternoon...

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta01.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta03.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta04.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta05.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta06.jpg


Last April 13... when MMDA started clearing the road side.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta_01.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/araneta_02.jpg

Whoever said that MM would not be flooded this rainy season?! Well, I just want to kill him right now 'coz I was drenched under the rain for 2 hours and also experienced a flood in EDSA-Taft. Take note, the flood was actually so black you would think that it's made of oil.

I feel sorry for you XP. I've experienced crossing the flooded EDSA-Taft intersection way back in 2001! Had no choice but to wade through the murky waters to get home. Whew! Thank goodness I didn't catch any disease.

Whoever said that MM would not be flooded this rainy season?! Well, I just want to kill him right now 'coz I was drenched under the rain for 2 hours and also experienced a flood in EDSA-Taft. Take note, the flood was actually so black you would think that it's made of oil.

Nobody to blame but the people around the vicinity who might not know what cleanliness means... Perhaps MMDA is doing the best it can -- actually the news said MM will see less floods (maybe 1% less than last year :lol:)...

Whoever said that MM would not be flooded this rainy season?! Well, I just want to kill him right now 'coz I was drenched under the rain for 2 hours and also experienced a flood in EDSA-Taft. Take note, the flood was actually so black you would think that it's made of oil.

eeek., na experience ko na din yan dito sa sta mesa., itim din., amoy canal.pero nasa loob ako ng tricycle., gulat nalang ako ng sabihin ng driver na itaas ko dawung paa ko., no choice., tinaas ko nga ung paa ko., basa naman ung pwet ko. :lol:

Nobody to blame but the people around the vicinity who might not know what cleanliness means... Perhaps MMDA is doing the best it can -- actually the news said MM will see less floods (maybe 1% less than last year :lol:)...

may tama ka:lol:
Basura mo balik sayo:lol:

these kinds of things are what discourages me and keeps me resigned that we will always be a mediocre country. people never really change their bad habits year in year out, no matter the aggravation and inconvenience their actions cause. you still see creeks filled with garbage , garbage everywhere. oh well i guess as long as there is no aggresive plan of pop. control it will only get worse.

^^ Well, its 8-2-2 in favour of GO in the Senate race if that is off any indication of why our country is so mediocre. Its not that hard to be clean and simply to throw away garbage in the right places but it boggles the mind why people still throw their trash away pretty much everywhere, hence the clogging of our drainage systems and the floods. :ohno:

nope basura nila punta samin (CaMaNaVa area) basura ng manila samin ang deretso...

That's why education is crucial. Too many people are unaware of the environmental consequences of dumping garbage. We can hardly blame the people, for they do not know how much effect it has on the planet. The educational system must plant seeds, not just in the soil, but in the sprouting minds of the young people.

Did I just make anyone gag? :D

Oh well, I don't want to blame it solely to the MMDA. Perhaps, I was really really pissed off that night. I overlooked the article and thought he said that there would be no floods. But I really want to bash the mayor of PAsay. Goash, isip pewee talaga!

His appeal came as the agency collected 750 dump truckloads of garbage from various waterways of Manila, only to retrieve approximately the same volume the following day.


Man! That is just sad!!!! Its the opposite of a "blackhole". You know...like when you drop something somewhere and it disappears never to be seen again (i.e. you leave a phone message for someone only to be lost to the "secretary blackhole"), but in this case, its the opposite in which you clean up the crap and and the next day, its there again.... :ohno:

this is every year? does anyone get the picture yet...mm.. 1+1 connect the dots. what about the baby factory baranggay. the kids and babies are like ants everywhere. Do you know how much garbage and waste is produced by each individual? is there a higher force out there to see anything wrong with the picture? this turtle pace action on something that seems so common sense is what causes us to lag behind .

kasi walang nagla-lobby, that is the biggest problem of pnas and i dont think anyone is doing that. sa quiapo wag kang pupunta parang dagat ng basura yung estero pag dumaan ka duon meron pang ume-etias, naghuhugas ng pingan, tapos may naglalaba katabi directly sa estero. karindi-rindi. actually its amuzing to look at it haha, tho it is sad kasi walang ginagawa ang opisyales ng manila