Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Lito Atienza: What It Was Like During His Leadership

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital. His resume can speak of volumes of accomplishments and completed projects, all of which has benefited his beloved Manilenos.The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical development of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents.A true statesman and a public servant, Atienza is 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 ventured his efforts on the delivery of basic social services to the poor.This is particularly apparent in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. Lito Atienza started several flagship programs and priority projects that were all dedicated to the poor.These projects and programs were catered for 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 awarded with free house and lot 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 provided 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 also took benefit from free education and school supplies as part of Atienza's program for education, which he believes is the answer to poverty. The city's universities and colleges were also improved during his administration and have benefited the city's youth with an affordable college education. Atienza also supported many potential and young athletes of the city by launching the Manila Youth Games, which has helped these young athletes in getting the necessary training and exposure to competition. Atienza also pushed for the free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. Atienza has pushed 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 movement wherein senior citizens were give special services and big discounts.

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

Accomplished leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital. Atienza during his term has prioritized the delivery of basic social services to the poor. Atienza outlined several flagship programs and priority projects that were all designed to benefit 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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