Thursday, April 29, 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 admired and respected by the city's impoverished residents due to his pro-poor programs and priority projects.

Under his leadership as Manila mayor, Atienza has prioritized the delivery of basic social services to the poor. This is particularly evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. Lito Atienza outlined several flagship programs and priority projects that were all designed to benefit 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 as Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity were able to build thousands of houses in the 50-hectare Baseco area, all of which were rightfully awarded to the homeless city residents. Atienza has also launched affordable housing projects for the middle class. The former mayor has created the Nagtahan Housing and UN Gardens which have benefited many homeless middle class families.

To meet 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 took benefit from a bigger budget allocation for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines. During his administration, Manila had the lowest crime rates in years. This is due to Atienza's substantial attempt in eradicating 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 developed during his administration as part of his program in providing 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 lobbied for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is major environment and public safety threat.During the seventies, Atienza established the Mahal Ko si Lolo, Mahal Ko si Lola, a 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 remains committed in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza promised achieve his goal of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for.

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

-Ulysees Ong

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