Parañaque launches coffee table book

MANILA, Philippines — A 304-page coffee table book, presenting the nine-year accomplishments of former Parañaque mayor Edwin Olivarez, now the city’s District 1 representative, was formally launched at Solaire Resorts’ The Forum on Thursday.

The book, titled “Parañaque, A Mega City by the Bay,” features the city as envisioned by Olivarez when he took his oath of office as mayor in 2013.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, “Parañaque, A Mega City by the Bay” was institutionalized as the official brand of the city by virtue of Ordinance 2022-191 passed by the city council in February.

The book has seven chapters discussing topics such as infrastructure for development, an environment-friendly and livable city, good governance, peace and order, social welfare services, education and employment and livelihood.

Like its first edition, the book takes the readers back to the city’s earliest history. There is a chapter on arts and culture that incorporates the city’s customs and tradition as well as art, fashion and cuisine. Also included are the city’s Bulungan sa La Huerta, Sayaw ng Pagbati, Sunduan, Caracol, and Lambat festivals.

The book also features a chapter on Project: ELO (Express Lane Operation), a platform that is under the Business Permits and Processing Office headed by lawyer Melanie Malaya, who also served as the book’s editor-in-chief and co-publisher along with Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc.

Project: ELO plays a vital role in ensuring the financial health of the city by providing an atmosphere conducive to business locators and investors. The ease of doing business in Parañaque through Project: ELO is a model for other local government units, officials said.