Manila mayor wins award for exemplary governance

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza was conferred the inaugural Manuel L. Quezon Award by the Federation of Catholic Schools Alumni/Alumnae Associations (FeCaSAA) and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) for "exemplary governance."

Mayor Atienza received the award during ceremonies held by the FeCaSAA and CEAP at the Fr. James B. Reuter Theatre of St. Paul University in Quezon City yesterday.

Organizers said the mayor won the award for his Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal program which has been hailed as a model for other local government units (LGUs) in the country to emulate.

The Buhayin ang Maynila program initiated under the Atienza administration has completed several publicly acclaimed projects including the redevelopment of Plaza Miranda and Lacson Underpass in Quiapo, Plaza Moriones in Tondo, Plaza Noli in Sampaloc, Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, Plaza Balagtas in Pandacan, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, Roxas Boulevard Baywalk, Muelle Del Rio & Escolta Wharf, and Avenida Rizal Pedestrian Walkway and Shopping Strip as well as the upgrading of health and education services in city hospitals and public schools.

In receiving the award, Atienza, however, pointed out that more could be accomplished if local officials would enjoy full autonomy in carrying out public service programs and social development projects in their respective localities.

"Local initiatives must be enhanced further to ensure national progress," the Mayor said.

Addressing members of FeCaSAA and CEAP, Atienza enlisted their support for a proposal for a unicameral parliamentary setup to further fast track the country’s progress and development.