MMDA readies transition plan
With a change in the government’s leadership barely a month away, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is preparing its transition plan, an official said yesterday.
“We will show the transition team the MMDA’s plans and programs as well as ongoing projects and pending issues to guide the next leadership of the agency,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said.
He said the incoming MMDA officials should focus on flood-control measures being implemented by the agency across Metro Manila as the transition period would happen during the rainy season.
“It’s a big deal, flood control. It’s not just the rainy season, it’s La Niña. And it will coincide with the start of classes. That is what should be prepared during the transition period,” Carlos said.
He called on the transition team to prioritize flood control, particularly the cleanup of waterways and upgrade of flood pumping stations.
Carlos said he will step down as MMDA chairman on June 30, being a presidential appointee.
He said changes in leadership will not disrupt work at the MMDA as the agency’s core personnel will remain intact.
Road safety forum set
Meanwhile, the MMDA – alarmed by the growing number of deaths due to road accidents yearly in the country – will hold a forum tomorrow to observe Road Safety Month.
Carlos said the forum, organized by the MMDA’s Institute of Traffic Management (ITM), will involve resource persons from local government traffic enforcement offices and private motoring institutions, such as Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).
Land Transportation Office director Francis Almora will discuss issues and challenges of law enforcement in promoting road safety while Augusto Lagman of the AAP will talk on the private sector’s assessment of the state of road safety in the country.
The MMDA will hold an exhibit of road safety products by various groups and companies at the agency’s compound as well as showings of road safety videos.