MMDA bares plan to ‘decorate’ EDSA

As part of the efforts to beautify the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has come up with a plan to "decorate" the entire stretch of busy EDSA.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. told reporters yesterday that the sidewalks along EDSA would be rehabilitated using tiles.

A pilot project would be implemented next week along the corner of Ortigas Avenue to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Abalos noted that they would not use expensive tiles used for bathrooms and kitchens as the point is only to improve the appearance of the sidewalks.

The MMDA, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units, have also started to plant trees and other flora in the center islands and sidewalks of EDSA.

Work on the center islands has started with the transfer of plants from the nursery of the MMDA to polluted EDSA.

The MMDA will also plant creeping ivy to cover plain-looking walls along the avenue to improve their appearance and discourage spray painting by vandals and bill-posting.

Abalos pointed out that EDSA has become an eyesore because of massive development, particularly of the Mass Rail Transit and commercial establishments.

Pollution has also worsened along the major thoroughfare and the planting of trees and plants could help improve the air quality. – Marvin Sy