MMDA envisions inter-modal transport system for Metro Manila

A COMPREHENSIVE integrated urban transport system within 20 years is the vision of Chairman Francis Tolentino for Metro Manila hoping to make the lives of its residents and visitors easier and comfortable. This what Tolentino revealed in his message before former judges and justices who attended their regular in-house forum, Kapihan sa Klub.

Tolentino claimed that long-term solutions to properly deal with the problems in Metro Manila should be addressed to make living easier and enticing.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman pledged to come up with long-term solutions under “Metro Manila Blueprint 2030” to be approved by the league of city mayors, vice mayors, and councilors.

“Having this blueprint would mean continuity in the implementation of all vital projects and programs, regardless of who is in charge,” Tolentino pointed out.

Intermodal transport system would be possible under Tolentino’s watch to baby Metro Manila passengers by giving them easy access and safe to any transport system in and out of Metropolis.

“As you go down from MRT or LRT, available means of transportation like buses, taxis and even jeepneys must be available,” Tolentino pointed out.

Tolentino’s first order of business was the cancellation of more than 6,500 exemptions to the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme to alleviate
the traffic situation within the metropolis, particularly along the major thoroughfares.

“My first month in office is like a whirlwind, days passed by so quickly. I am at the office from
Mondays to Sundays, usually until nine o’clock in the evening, to personally oversee the daily affairs of the agency,” Tolentino said.

The deployment of traffic enforcers during nighttime under the “Oplan 24/7” to ensure public road safety and smooth traffic flow was also one of the very first programs initiated by Tolentino.

The MMDA chief likewise commended deserving traffic enforcers on a weekly basis.

“I’d like to show the public that there are traffic enforcers and other employees who are honest and dedicated to their jobs, contrary to popular public perception that our agency is composed of corrupt personnel,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino also came up with a new meaning for the acronym of MMDA: Marangal, Matapat,
Disiplinado Ako. The message will be incorporated in the new agency logo, which will be launched next week.

An environmental lawyer, Tolentino is considering the re-enforcement of the Anti-Littering Law in order to curb indiscriminate dumping on waterways and public places.

He also initiated monthly dialogues with MMDA employees to hear their concerns, a first in the history of the agency. He will do the same for stakeholders such as vendors and public transport operators.

A keen believer of volunteerism, Tolentino enlisted 500 volunteers to augment the agency’s manpower during times of disaster and calamities.

“The work is not easy, but with many hands joining to achieve common goals and pursue common interests, no task is ever too difficult to accomplish,” Tolentino stressed. –SAMMY MARTIN, Manila Times