Proposed Metro Quezon Authority gains headway

The Quezon City Council has approved a resolution calling on Congress to create a Metropolitan Quezon Authority.

Sponsored by District 2 Councilor Winston ‘Winnie’ Castelo, the resolution aims to restructure six eastern areas of Greater Metro Manila, namely Quezon City, San Jose Del Monte, Rodriguez (Montalban), San Mateo, Marikina and Antipolo into a more balanced community with the goal of expanding opportunities to create a self-contained, self sufficient region.

"If Congress approves the proposed formation of the body, the City Council is inclined to lobby for Quezon City Mayor Feliciano ‘Sonny’ Belmonte to be the authority’s first governor," Castelo said.

According to Castelo, the localities have specific concerns and needs for development that could be addressed only through the creation of the Metropolitan Quezon Authority.

Castelo said the authority will ease the perennial problems confronting the six areas such as traffic complexities, garbage collection and disposal as well as facilitate the creation of a space for commercial and industrial expansion.

"Basically, the authority would decentralize imperial Manila to the countryside and usher growth and prosperity in the areas by bringing the government closer to the people," he said.