Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Lito Atienza: What It Was Like During His Leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Ulysees Ong

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