Showing posts with label Baywalk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baywalk. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Lito Atienza Is Supported By Various Religious Groups

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city's barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government," he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza's spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He's very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn't care about the less fortunate," Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza's candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Lito Atienza: Why We Should Vote For Him Again

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza by a thousand mile is the best man to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010.The former DENR secretary possess years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the most eligible person to win the much-coveted seat as the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city.Atienza, the only mayor who won three consecutive three-year mandates, is well-admired by the entire city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for serving selflessly for the people of the city. One can just look at the former mayor's countless achievements and numerous completed projects when he was still at the helm to be able to see vividly how this man has completely dedicated himself in uplifting and changing the lives of the Manilenos particularly the impoverished.

We do not have to go too far to see how Lito Atienza acted during his stint as city mayor. We just have to look at how Manila was and the lives of its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the drastic transformation of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents. Atienza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have made him one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city's rich political history.

Lito Atienza has accomplished a lot of things than any other city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. During his tenure as city mayor; Atienza has significantly transformed and enhanced the living conditions of the city's poorest residents.Atienza pushed for the effective delivery of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He addressed and included all of the social needs of his beloved Manilenos in his programs and priority projects including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza has built and launched housing projects and land acquisition programs for the city's homeless residents. The former Manila mayor also added more financial resources for the city's public hospitals and health centers, as part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services for its residents. This program has enabled public hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines for improved healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents.The city of Manila which has earned the distinction of being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has experienced the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his tenure, the city was able to record its lowest crime levels in years 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.

Atienza also provided public school students with free education and school. It was also during his administration that the city's universities and colleges were improved as part of his efforts in providing the city's residents with an affordable and quality college education. The former mayor of Manila during his stint launched the Manila Youth games, which became beneficial to many of the city's budding and promising athletes. In addition, in support of the city's talented youth, Atienza provided free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. The city's senior residents have also benefited from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the enhanced delivery of basic services which has changed the lives of the poor, Atienza has also out the city of Manila back in the tourists' map and in the list of top tourists' destinations of the country. Atienza has also prioritized for the beautification and development of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions.One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his administration that the city's navigation and travel were improved due to the drastic upgrading made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza is the most eligible man to vote for Manila mayor in this coming election 2010. Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his dedication to serving the Manilenos at the best way possible.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Buyahin Nating Muli Ang Maynila Program Focuses On Livelihood And Economic

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, one of the most respected and beloved leaders of the city; is seeking for another successful bid at the city's mayoralty seat which he vacated after completing a full term.The only mayor in the city's rich history who has completed a full term, Lito Atienza has promised to continue his dedication and commitment in building the city and improving the lives of the Manilenos.Under his program, "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila", Atienza has planned on launching several infrastructure projects and livelihood programs which are dedicated to benefit the city's residents.

The program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila" of Lito Atienza is part of fulfilling the former mayor's vision of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for.To accomplish this goal, the former Manila mayor has planned on continuing his livelihood and economic projects to help improve the living conditions within the city.Atienza has also promised the city residents a better chance of improving their lives through job creation, livelihood programs, decent shelter, and education and learning opportunities. Moreover, Atienza has promised to exhaust all the possible means to help the city's unemployed residents and provide them with employment opportunities. "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila" focuses on the city's economy which is seen by Atienza as the effective remedy against poverty and can help in developing self-reliance among the city's impoverished residents. Among the primary economic programs of Lito Atienza is providing employment opportunities for the city's unemployed and providing the necessary financial support for small and medium enterprises which can fuel job creation. The economic program consists of several projects, all of which are designed to help improve the quality of life of the people of Manila particularly those who are impoverished.

Atienza has vowed on protecting the rights and interests of the pedicab and tricycle drivers by requiring them to secure a license. With this program, illegal activities like unlawful collections and extortions from these small operators and drivers will be prevented. Atienza has also pledged to organize the vendors operating within the city. Atienza has planned on launching an organized vending program in which vendors will be relegated to operate in certain areas only, as a way to improve the convenience of their customers and to help these vendors earn more.

To help the city's small entrepreneurs including vendors, drivers and ordinary workers, Atienza will also create cooperatives where members can avail of loans and capital for their livelihood.Atienza also plans to promote the raising of herbal plants as a livelihood alternative for the city's residents.In this program, every barangay will take part in the planting of herbal plants like lagundi, oregano, aloe vera, malunggay and tanglad. The collected herbal plants will be acquired by the local government and will be sold to the companies who use them.

Atienza also plans on launching skills and livelihood training for the city's unemployed residents.Skills and livelihood training will feature short courses on cellphone repair, restaurant and hotel services, haircutting, reflexology, dress making and many more.Atienza will also launch programs that are meant to generate money from wastes and garbage. Under this program, residents will be informed on the proper way to make charcoal from wastes as a way of providing them with livelihood.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza under his program, "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila", has vowed to continue his crusade against poverty and as well as his commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. Atienza plans to focus on the city's economy which he views as the immediate solution to address the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has pledged several programs which are designed to provide employment and livelihood opportunities to the city's unemployed and impoverished.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Mayor Of Manila: Manila Needs Atienza Back

Among the most distinguished political personalities who joined the Manila elections is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza.Atienza is expected to be one of the early favorites in the mayoralty race due to his years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record.Atienza has had an illustrious political career which has spanned for almost four decades now, a clear indication on how he has lived his life as a statesman and public servant. Atienza's stint as Manila mayor is characterized by a radical transformation of the city's old and forgotten tourist areas, and the improved living conditions of city folks.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, who holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most revered leaders in the city's rich political history.His resume includes volumes of accomplishments and completed projects which have benefited a lot of Manilenos. As a way to fulfill his vision of giving the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for; the former mayor of Manila is launching a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat. Atienza will continue his devotion in serving his beloved city and its residents under his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila."

The former mayor of Manila will continue his battle against poverty and will try to improve the living conditions of the city's impoverished residents.For him, improving the living conditions of the city's residents must be spearheaded by the local government through an effective delivery of basic services. Atienza will ensure an improved delivery of basic services especially to Manila's poorest residents. To achieve his goal, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza has penciled numerous livelihood and economic projects to uplift the living conditions within the city.

As part of his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila.", Atienza has promised an improved delivery of basic services as a way of extending the local government's help in uplifting the lives of the city folks.Atienza plans on launching several programs aimed to benefit the city's poorest residents. These programs will cover a wide array of services including housing programs, improved healthcare services, enhanced peace and order situation, access to education, sports development, improving the arts and culture, caring for the nature and welfare of the citizens. Some of these projects have already been launched by Atienza during his tenure as Manila mayor.

Atienza will continue to provide affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the poor. With the help of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, Atienza will continue building affordable houses in the city's poorest sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, and Baseco. Improved healthcare services are among the chief projects of Atienza.Atienza will allocate a huge portion of the city's budget in the procurement of medical equipment and medicines, and to sustain the city's free healthcare services including free check ups and medicines.

Atienza also plans to hunt down drug traffickers and syndicates as part of improving the peace and order situation of the city. The former mayor will also devote a big portion of the city's resources into education to sustain the delivery of free education, free school supplies, affordable college education and alternative education that offers vocational and technical courses for all Manilenos. The development of sports, culture and arts is also among the key advocacies of Atienza as a way of extending the city government's support to the promising talents of the city.As a former Environment secretary, Atienza also plans to promote policies which can ensure the protection of nature as well as of the public including the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan . Senior citizens can also enjoy great discounts and other benefits as part of Atienza's program dedicated for the welfare of the older citizens of the city.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lito Atienza Pursues Dream By Running For Mayor Of Manila

When Lito Atienza announced that he would quit the Cabinet in order to run for Manila Mayor in the upcoming elections, voters were certainly gifted with a great choice for the leader of the city. Lito Atienza is for sure a force in Philippine politics and is gifted with a formidable family background. Many of his relatives are in themselves prominent members of the history of Philippine politics. Because of this, it could be rightfully declared that Lito is truly a prime choice for the post of Manila Mayor.

The father of Lito Atienza, Jose Atienza Sr, or Pepe was the chief of the Department of Public Services. He was an honored public servant who would even get up in the middle of the night just to help troubled neighbors. His uncle, Herminigildo Atienza, was appointed Manila Mayor himself right after the liberation of the city. He was a very good mayor who was considered as one of the biggest influences in the founding of the legendary Liberal Party of Philippine politics.

Lito Atienza grew up in a devastated city of Manila that was but a bunch of ruins, walked through the neighborhoods that was but a collection of debris and even swam on the waters of Manila Bay. He would be the perfect Manila Mayor because he grew up in the city in which he dreams to lead. He dreamt that he would eventually join Philippine politics, elevate the city of Manila into a greatness which will make the ashes of the war a mere afterthought. By running for Manila mayor, he can now engage in his dream task of trying to place Manila back to the pedestal where it belongs.

Lito Atienza is certainly very qualified to become Manila Mayor. He finished his primary and secondary education in Ateneo de Manila University and completed a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. Despite the fact that their family was monetarily rich, they were hardworking which enabled Lito to enter into the top schools. The Atienza family were also very religious and devoted to God. This mixed background of family values and fundamental religious aspects are certainly very important for the position of public servant in Philippine politics.

Perhaps the best qualification of Lito Atienza is his untarnished name. His father Pepe firmly believed that no wealth could ever match the reputation of the heritage of good name backed up with a good education. Lito also had many friends and constantly persevered in order to reach his goals. He would take manual labor jobs and even rode along classmates with cars without shame because he firmly believed in hard work as the bridge to our goals.

Lito Atienza would definitely enhance his legacy in Philippine politics by running for mayor. Being the Manila Mayor would be most revering for him and for the city of Manila given his heritage with the place. He lived not only his life here, but also lived with his family in the city which he envisions to prosper. If he is elected, it will truly be for everyone's benefit if we give him a chance to accomplish his dreams of the city for us.

There are many reasons why Lito Atienza should be the next Mayor of Manila. First, he comes from a distinguished family in Philippine politics. Second, he is very thrifty and hardworking which enabled him to finish from distinguished schools despite his lack of resources. Third, he grew up in Manila, and dreams nothing more than to become Manila Mayor so that he could make it great.

-Joel Dumayog

Monday, March 1, 2010

Lito Atienza - Saving Abandoned Children

Lito Atienza is presently a part of the number of candidates who will take part in the elections for Manila mayor. These Manila elections, yet once more, would be a trial of the aptitude of the discernment of the electorate to pick a candidate who is worthy of the demanding needs of the colorful city. In terms of qualifications, possibly there is no one additional who matches the post more other than Lito Atienza. And among those who will contend for mayor in the Manila elections, no one probably has assisted more.

In 1992, even as a Vice-Mayor, Lito Atienza founded with his wife Beng the "Home for the Angels," a child care center for deserted and abused infants. He made this out of his conclusive belief that nobody should feel unwanted. He also acknowledges that some conditions might forcefully break up a parent from his child and this is why he created this shelter for them. The center allows for nutrition and all the love which these children could ever need.

This center is the image of the good heart of Lito Atienza. This is what voters should be aware of during the Manila elections. To a certain sense, we are all youngsters of the city, needing somebody like Lito Atienza to conduct us in a city in which himself saw burnt to ashes and which he wants to see rise again to elusive prominence. Such efforts should not be blanked out and should be at the centerpiece during the elections for Manila Mayor.

It would be virtuously good if voters during the elections for Manila mayor would pick someone who was vocally against abortion. The position of Lito Atienza as one of the beginners of Home for the Angels has consistently been that abortion is the ultimate child abuse and must be stopped at all costs. The Home of the Angels is a center signified to be action pointed and serves as the accompaniment solution to anti-life challenges. It is a concrete symbolization and generator of hope at the same time for many people.

During these Manila elections, let us not forget that the Home for the Angels has been a logical crisis home for abortion survivors and has helped many neglected, abused and exploited infants ever since it was founded fourteen years ago. It has helped many victims and potential victims have a new set of lives and all of these is due to the kind heart of Lito Atienza. The elections for Manila mayor would for sure be a half-baked race if it did not admit an option such as him. The post of Manila mayor is a position of action coupled with great promises.

A total of 301 babies were assisted and accepted for case management and crisis intervention from year 1996 to the present and a total of 4,371 men, women and teenagers were assisted and referred through crisis intervention by phone and walk-in referrals from 2006 to the present in the center. A total of 356 students and private individuals were attended to and furnished with Respect for Life Orientation while a total of 314 children ages 0-6 years old for Early childhood care and Development were served in alternative Day Care services through the Learn and Play Outreach Program. These are works of a man who surely deserves to succeed in the Manila elections. In the elections for Manila Mayor, these are deeds of a man that should be up there when we use our discernment.

These elections for Manila mayor should be a culmination in the life and career of service of one man. This great man is Lito Atienza. When he set up his center, The Home For The Angels, he had a vision to help all abandoned and neglected children. During these Manila elections, we can actually give him a chance to expand more his vision that no person should be deprived of shelter, sustenance, caring and of love.

-Joel Dumayog

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lito Atienza For Manila Mayor - Making Prolife A Centerstage

In the approaching Manila elections, a prospect with supreme pro life advocacy has indicated his desire to lead Manila to a new beginning. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor is a slogan which represents a proper chapter to the vast history of Manila. His place in Philippine politics is a lofty one, and this he shares with his family background. In the upcoming Manila elections, it would be hard to go against this man.

Lito Atienza is a pious Roman Catholic, who's also President of Pro-Life Philippines. Together with his spouse, this candidate for the Manila elections gained international prominence in Rome as an official delegate in the Pontifical Council for the Family. He was afforded a standing ovation for accentuating that the Philippines has the highest percentage of citizenry who values life, family and the elderly. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor entails pro-life in our country.

Even during his previous tenure in Philippine politics in the City of Manila, he opposed all forms of contraception or abortion or sex education programs. Lito Atienza for Manila mayor would intend for an establishment that will be utterly pro-life from top to bottom. We should vote for this man during the Manila elections if we oppose abortion or those who are contrary to natural conception. The state of Philippine politics would for certain need a religious drawing card who has values such as him.

To bolster the Lito Atienza for Manila mayor certification, he conceived Rachel's Support Group, a group of volunteers who suffered post abortion syndrome. This group of this amazing candidate for the Manila elections held counseling to women contemplating abortion and aimed at discouraging them from doing so. Because of his efforts in Philipine politics, thousands of women were given the right perspective and thousands of babies were saved. These are but few of the reasons why Lito Atienza for Manila mayor should be a battle cry.

Lito Atienza for sure belongs to the old guard of Philippine politics. But he belongs to the good side of this vein of the political population. He has a firm educational backdrop, with kin who are responsible public servants like himself. Apart from this, he has the core values of pro-life rationales which establishes him a virtuously upright potential mayor.

Come balloting day, these accomplishments of Lito Atienza are placed at the forefront of our consciousness. We have a possible mayor who is pro-life, who is socially conscious, and who is helpful. We have a potential mayor who grew up in the city, and whose most expansive aspiration is to make it great. If you are a member of the electorate of the City of Manila, the most logical thing is to go for this man.

Lito Atienza for Manila Mayor - this is a slogan that is apt for what the city of Manila needs nowadays. The Manila elections are coming and the carnival has started again. Philippine politics will have its share of reliable ones while also giving its population of looney and wrong choices. Lito Atienza belongs to the latter and there is no further proof of this other than his pro life advocacy.

-Joel Dumayog

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Mayor Manila Lito Atienza: One Of The Best Mayors Ever

As Mayor Manila for almost a decade, Lito Atienza has become one of the major pillars and most influential names of Philippine politics. What he has made for his beloved Maynila has catapulted him as one of the well-accomplished and well-loved leaders in the history of Philippine politics.His notable resume consists of innumerable implemented and completed programs, most of which are meant at improving the lives and welfare of Maynila residents particularly the impoverished ones.As city mayor, Atienza also helped transform Maynila into a tourist magnet once again as part of his drive in beautifying his beloved city.

Maynila residents are witnesses on how they were taken good care of former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza through implementation of various programs under his flagship project Buhayin and Maynila.This program was mistakenly considered as a beautification drive which is meant only to transform and revive the city's areas as par of the urban renewal project.On the contrary, the project covers all aspects of social improvement that includes projects on health, knowledge, peace and order, cleanliness and environment, orderliness, livelihood, economic progress, culture and sports. Atienza's mayoralty stretch is best described by drastic developments in social and community levels, improved living conditions and government services and facilities, and a more simplified bureaucratic agency of the city government of Manila.

Being a devout catholic and head of the Pro-Life Philippines, former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza launched Pro-Life programs which has opposed campaigns and programs that supported contraception or abortion or any sex education programs. It also under this campaign that Atienza supported the Rachel's' Support Group, a group of volunteers who have suffered post abortion syndrome and the organization that created the "Tomb of the Unborn" wherein aborted babies are given decent burial and prayers. The former Mayor Manila always had this natural soft spot for Maynila's elderly and this was evident as he launched the program called Mahal Ko Si Lolo, Mahal Ko Si Lola.This program has given livelihood trainings for the elderly and has helped them enjoy the prime of their lives.

As part of his commitment in empowering women, Atienza founded the Kababaihan ng Maynila, an organization which promotes livelihood program for Maynilas' women. Feeding programs were also established during former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza's term as city mayor.In 1986, he established PAGKAIN Foundation or Pagkakaisa sa Kaginhawahan at Adhikain which provided feeding programs, food subsidies and promotion of awareness on wellness, nutrition and health care to city's poor residents. Atienza has also built the Home for the Angels, a center that provides child care to abandoned and abused infants.

His outstanding stint as Mayor Manila has catapulted him into great distinction in Philippine politics. As his last term was nearing its end, a lot of people have talked about whether he will seek for a higher position or finally exit the tumultuous world of Philippine politics. Atienza credited for his accomplishments in Maynila, was selected as secretary of DENR where he brought his leadership and political will in the agency.Atienza would later spearhead a number of projects all of which were aimed to protect and manage our natural resources.

Among his prominent projects as DENR secretary was the strict execution of the Clean Air Act as part of his efforts in cleaning the air.Atienza also worked with environment groups such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan in protecting our country's rivers and lakes. The former Mayor Manila also vowed to run after illegal loggers and encouraged local officials to close down open dumpsites within their vicinity.Recently, Atienza embarked on hunting down farmers who open burn their farm wastes like rice stalks, grasses and other agricultural wastes. Atienza has also planned the implementation of LPG as the main fuel of public buses plying the metro's thoroughfares.

Atienza became one of the prominent figures in Philippine politics because of his achievement in serving as the city's mayor for three full terms. Former Mayor Manila launched several programs all of which have significantly helped in the development and improvement of the lives of Maynila folks. Atienza also served as DENR secretary where he achieved success in implementing several environmental programs to protect the country's natural resources.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza - Manila's Own Running For Mayor

When Lito Atienza said he would no longer be a member of the Cabinet in order to run for Manila Mayor in the upcoming elections, voters were certainly gifted with a great choice for the leader of the city. Lito Atienza is certainly a staple in Philippine politics and is gifted with a formidable family background. Many of his relatives are in themselves prominent members of the history of Philippine politics. With this, it could be rightfully said that Lito is truly the best choice for the post of Manila Mayor.

The father of Lito Atienza, Jose Atienza Sr, or Pepe was the top leader of the Department of Public Services. He was a decorated public servant who would even get up from bed in the middle of the night just to help troubled neighbors. His uncle, Herminigildo Atienza, was appointed Manila Mayor in his own right after the independence of the city. He was a very good mayor who was considered as one of the biggest influences in the founding of the legendary Liberal Party of Philippine politics.

Lito Atienza grew up in a devastated city of Manila that was but a bunch of ruins, walked through the neighborhoods that was but a collection of debris and even swam on the waters of Manila Bay. He would make a great Manila Mayor because he grew up in the city in which he aspires to lead. He envisioned that he would eventually put his hat into Philippine politics, elevate the city of Manila into a greatness which will make the ashes of the war a mere afterthought. By running for Manila mayor, he can now engage in his dream task of trying to place Manila back to the pedestal where it belongs.

Lito Atienza is certainly very qualified to become Manila Mayor. He finished his primary and secondary education in Ateneo de Manila University and completed a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. Despite the fact that their family was monetarily rich, they were hardworking which enabled Lito to enter into the top schools. The Atienza family exhibited faithfulness and feared God properly. These family values and religious aspects are certainly very important for the position of public servant in Philippine politics.

Perhaps the best qualification of Lito Atienza is his untarnished name. His father Pepe firmly set foot that no wealth could ever be at par with the value of a good name backed up with a good education. Lito also had lots of peers and always persevered in order to reach his goals. He would take menial labor positions and even rode along the cars of his more well to do classmates because he firmly believed in hard work as the bridge to our goals.

Lito Atienza would for sure extend his colored history in his participation in Philippine politics by running for mayor. All signs point to him being the Manila Mayor and this would be best for him and for the city of Manila given his heritage with the place. He lived not only his life here, but also lived with his family in the city which he envisions to prosper. If chosen with the honor, it will truly be for everyone's benefit if we give him a chance to fulfill his ambitions of the city for us.

There are many reasons why Lito Atienza should be the next Mayor of Manila. First, he comes from a distinguished family in Philippine politics. Second, he is very thrifty and hardworking which enabled him to finish from distinguished schools despite his lack of resources. Third, he grew up in Manila, and dreams nothing more than to become Manila Mayor so that he could make it great.

-Joel Dumayog

Friday, February 12, 2010

Lito Atienza 2010: Experience, Wisdom And Political Will

The Manila Elections has become more exciting and captivating as a lot of political heavyweights have thrown their hats into the battle of becoming the all powerful Mayor of Manila. Among these political bigwigs who joined the mayoralty competition for the city is former Mayor of Manila and DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and his Lito Atienza 2010 platform. Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, the former Mayor of Manila is staging a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat after serving a full term as City Mayor and a brief stint as DENR secretary.

The former Mayor of Manila who holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most well-loved leaders in the city's rich political history. Atienza boasts of having years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the probable frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume consists of volumes of achievements and countless completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished.His political career spanning for more than four decades now is a clear indication on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.

Atienza's early political career started in 1968 as the leader of Democratic Youth Movement, (DEYMO) wherein he became one of those who survived the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing during the Liberal Party's political rally in 1971. Since then, the former Mayor of Manila had been a staunch detractor of the Marcos administration.When the country was under the Martial Law, Atienza was put under arrest for his role as the leader of Metro Manila Jeepney Drivers Organization, which was the first ever organization of Jeepney Drivers.Atienza fought against and uncovered several human abuses of the Marcos regime including the proposed eradication of jeepneys plying the avenues of Metro Manila as part of Imelda Marcos' beautification drive.

Despite exposing his dissatisfaction with the Marcos administration, Atienza became a Barangay Captain for ten years after serving as a tanod before which enabled him to hear the voices of ordinary people more.The former Mayor of Manila later worked at the Information Office of Manila City Hall under former mayor Ramon Bagatsing and later resigned due to conflict of principles and his work.Atienza would later start a bold journey as he seek a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all. Instead, Atienza banked on his principles and support from his family and friends which were enough to win him a seat in the Parliament at that time.

His profession as a Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa started in 1984, representing the then vast Congressional District of Manila which include the districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, Sta. Ana, Santa Mesa. He was a known staunch ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who persuaded Cory Aquino to run for president.After Marcos was ousted during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila was appointed to run the National Housing Authority where he promoted affordable housing for teachers and policemen. After a brief career at the NHA as General Manger, Atienza opted to join the 1988 mayoralty race of Manila where he lost to his then rival Mel Lopez who was supported by President Aquino.Despite losing, his spirit and will to serve was never conquered as he would later run and win as Vice-Mayor in 1992 and 1995.

In 1998 Manila Elections, Atienza finally made it to the mayoralty seat and history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor. Atienza was celebrated for expressing his strong opposition in the reclamation of the city's part of Roxas Boulevard/Manila Bay.The former Mayor of Manila was also able to transform and beautify much of entire city's former tourist attractions along with the lives and welfare of the city folks. Atienza also devised major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.

After serving full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza was appointed as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo.As DENR secretary, Atienza spearheaded massive effort to implement the ill- executed Clean Air Act. Atienza also invested his efforts on giving a new life to the country's rivers and lakes, partnering with several environment groups including the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan.He has also ran after illegal logging operations in the countryside and has also ordered the closures of open dumpsites as part of his drive in protecting our country's natural resources.

The Manila Elections is vital since the winner would hold power to the nation's capital. Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people. Under his Lito Atienza 2010 banner, Atienza is the most competent and well-loved leaders of the city which makes him a formidable mayoralty bet.

-Joel Dumayog