Monday, March 8, 2010

Lito Atienza 2010: Manila Needs Her Mayor Back

The Manila Elections is expected to draw the most attention among other election hotspots as a lot of political heavyweights have thrown their hats into the battle of becoming the all powerful Mayor of Manila.Among the notable political figures who joined the mayoralty race for the city is former Mayor of Manila and DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and his Lito Atienza 2010 platform. Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, the former Mayor of Manila is gunning for a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat after serving a full term as City Mayor and a brief stint as DENR secretary.

The former Mayor of Manila who holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most well-cherished leaders in the city's rich political history. Atienza boasts of having years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the probable frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume can speak volumes of achievements and countless completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished. His political career that has lasted for more than four decades now is a clear demonstration on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.

Atienza's early political career started in 1968 as the leader of Democratic Youth Movement, (DEYMO) wherein he became one of those who survived the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing during the Liberal Party's political rally in 1971. Ever since, the former Mayor of Manila had been a tough critic and opponent of the Marcos administration. When the country was in the Martial Law, Atienza was detained for his role as the leader of Metro Manila Jeepney Drivers Organization, which was the first ever organization of Jeepney Drivers. Atienza fought against and uncovered several human abuses of the Marcos regime including the proposed eradication of jeepneys plying the avenues of Metro Manila as part of Imelda Marcos' beautification drive.

Despite airing his discontent with the Marcos administration, Atienza held the position as Barangay Captain for ten years after serving as a tanod before which enabled him to hear the voices of ordinary people more. The former Mayor of Manila was employed later at the Information Office of Manila City Hall with former mayor Ramon Bagatsing and later resigned due to conflict of principles and his work.Atienza would later decide on embarking on a bold journey as he seek a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all. Instead, Atienza relied on his principles and support from his family and friends which were enough to win him a seat in the Parliament at that time.

His profession as Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa began in 1984, representing the then large Congressional District of Manila which include the districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, Sta. Ana, Santa Mesa.He was known as an active supporter of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who convinced Cory Aquino to run for president. After Marcos was repulsed during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila agreed to lead the National Housing Authority where he promoted affordable housing for teachers and policemen. After a brief stint as NHA General Manger, Atienza decided to join the 1988 mayoralty race of Manila where he lost to his then rival Mel Lopez who was supported by President Aquino. Despite a losing effort, his spirit and will to serve was never crushed as he would later run and win as Vice-Mayor in 1992 and 1995.

In 1998 Manila Elections, Atienza finally broke into the mayoralty seat and successfully created history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor. Atienza was renowned for his strong resistance in the reclamation of the city's part of Roxas Boulevard/Manila Bay.The former Mayor of Manila was also able to change and has given a face-lift to much of entire city's former tourist attractions along with the lives and welfare of the city folks. Atienza also launched major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.

After serving full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza was appointed as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo. As DENR secretary, Atienza started massive actions to implement the ill-executed Clean Air Act.Atienza also paid attention on giving a new life to the country's rivers and lakes, partnering with several environment groups including the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan. He went after illegal logging operations in the countryside and has also closed open dumpsites as part of his drive in protecting our country's natural resources.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza's unblemished political stint and achievements are clear testaments to his passion in being a public servant and being a true statesman. Atienza deserves to win the Manila Elections anew due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people. Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, Atienza hopes to continue his work for Manila's folks.

-Joel Dumayog

Mayor Of Manila: Manila Needs Atienza Back

Among the most prominent political figures who joined the Manila elections is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza is considered as one of the early frontrunners in the mayoralty race due to his years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record. Atienza boasts of having an illustrious political career which has spanned for almost four decades now, a clear testament on how he has lived his life as a statesman and public servant. Atienza's stint as Manila mayor is best described by a radical transformation of the city's old and forgotten tourist areas, and the improved living conditions for city folks.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, who owns the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most respected and beloved leaders in the city's rich political history. His resume boasts of having numerous achievements and completed projects which have benefited a lot of Manilenos.As a way to fulfill his vision of giving the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for; the former mayor of Manila is launching a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat. Atienza will be continuing his commitment to serve his beloved city and its residents under his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila."

The former mayor of Manila will continue his battle against poverty and will try to improve the living conditions of the city's impoverished residents.For him, improving the living conditions of the city's residents must be spearheaded by the local government through an effective delivery of basic services. Atienza plans to push for the improved delivery of basic services especially to Manila's poorest residents. To achieve his goal, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza has penciled numerous livelihood and economic projects to uplift the living conditions within the city.

As part of his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila.", Atienza plans on improving the delivery of basic services as a way of extending the local government's help in uplifting the lives of the city folks. Atienza will be launching several programs aimed to benefit the city's poorest residents.These programs will cover housing programs, improved healthcare services, enhanced peace and order situation, access to education, sports development, improving the arts and culture, caring for the nature and welfare of the citizens.Some of these projects have already been established during Atienza's tenure as Manila mayor.

Atienza plans to continue his affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the poor. With the help of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, Atienza plans to build affordable houses in the city's poorest sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, and Baseco. Improved healthcare services are among the chief projects of Atienza.Atienza will increase the budget allocated for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines, and to sustain the city's free healthcare services including free check ups and medicines.

Atienza will also try to hunt down drug traffickers and syndicates as part of improving the peace and order situation of the city. The former mayor will also pour in a big portion of the city's resources into education to sustain the delivery of free education, free school supplies, affordable college education and alternative education that offers vocational and technical courses for all Manilenos.The development of sports, culture and the arts is also among the main priorities of Atienza as a way of showing the city government's support to talented residents of Manila. As a former Environment secretary, Atienza will also promote policies which can ensure the protection of nature as well as of the public including the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan. Senior citizens can also avail of great discounts and other benefits as part of Atienza's program dedicated for the welfare of the older citizens of the city.

An early frontrunner in the coming Manila elections, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has pledged several programs which are designed to improve the local government's delivery of basic services. The former mayor of Manila has vowed to continue his crusade against poverty and continues to be committed in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. Atienza plans to focus on several programs which are designed to improve the delivery of basic services which will benefit the city's poorest residents.

-Ulysees Ong

Friday, March 5, 2010

Mayor Of Manila Lito Atienza Plans To Continue His Commitment To The City's Poor

Among the most notable political personalities who joined the Manila elections is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza is expected as one of the early favorites in the mayoralty race due to his years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record. Atienza has had an illustrious political career which has spanned for almost four decades now, a clear indication on how he has lived his life as a statesman and public servant. Atienza's stint as Manila mayor is known for the radical transformation of the city's old and forgotten tourist areas, and the enhanced living conditions for city folks.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, who holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most revered leaders in the city's rich political history.His resume boasts of having numerous achievements and completed projects which have benefited a lot of Manilenos.As a way to achieve his dream of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for; the former mayor of Manila is gunning for a fresh mandate as city mayor. Atienza will continue to devote his time in serving his beloved city and its residents under his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila."

The former mayor of Manila will continue his battle against poverty and will try to improve the living conditions of the city's impoverished residents.For Atienza, uplifting the living conditions of the city's residents must begin with the local government through an effective delivery of basic services. Atienza plans to push for the improved delivery of basic services especially to Manila's poorest residents. To fulfill his goal, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza will launch several livelihood and economic projects which are meant to improve the living conditions within the city.

As part of his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila.", Atienza plans on improving the delivery of basic services as a way of extending the local government's help in uplifting the lives of the city folks. Atienza plans on spearheading several programs aimed to benefit the city's poorest residents. These programs will cover housing programs, improved healthcare services, enhanced peace and order situation, access to education, sports development, improving the arts and culture, caring for the nature and welfare of the citizens.Some of these projects have already been started by Atienza during his tenure as Manila mayor.

Atienza plans to continue his affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the poor. With the assistance of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, Atienza will provide more affordable houses in the city's poorest sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, and Baseco.Improved healthcare services are among the chief projects of Atienza.Atienza will allocate a huge portion of the city's budget in the procurement of medical equipment and medicines, and to sustain the city's free healthcare services including free check ups and medicines.

Atienza also plans to hunt down drug traffickers and syndicates as part of improving the peace and order situation of the city. The former mayor will also pour in a big portion of the city's resources into education to sustain the delivery of free education, free school supplies, affordable college education and alternative education that offers vocational and technical courses for all Manilenos.The development of sports, culture and the arts is also among the main priorities of Atienza as a way of showing the city government's support to talented residents of Manila. As a former Environment secretary, Atienza will also promote policies which can ensure the protection of nature as well as of the public including the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan. Senior citizens can also avail of great discounts and other benefits as part of Atienza's program dedicated for the welfare of the older citizens of the city.

-Ulysses Ong

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Lito Atienza - Best Candidate For Mayor Of Manila

When Lito Atienza announced that he would quit the Cabinet in order to run for Manila Mayor in the upcoming elections, voters were certainly gifted with a great choice for the leader of the city. Lito Atienza is most definitely one of the most powerful in Philippine politics and is gifted with a formidable family background. Many of his relatives are in themselves prominent members of the history of Philippine politics. With this, it could be rightfully said that Lito is truly the best choice for the post of Manila Mayor.

The father of Lito Atienza, Jose Atienza Sr, or Pepe was the head of the Department of Public Services. He was an honored public servant who would even get up in the middle of the night just to help troubled neighbors. His uncle, Herminigildo Atienza, was appointed Manila Mayor himself right after the liberation of the city. He was a great mayor who was deemed as one of the biggest influences in the founding of the legendary Liberal Party of Philippine politics.

Lito Atienza grew up in a devastated city of Manila that was but a bunch of ruins, walked through the neighborhoods that was but a collection of debris and even swam on the waters of Manila Bay. He would be an ideal Manila Mayor because he grew up in the city in which he desires to lead. He dreamt that he would eventually join Philippine politics, elevate the city of Manila into a greatness which will make the ashes of the war a mere afterthought. By running for Manila mayor, he can now engage in his dream task of trying to place Manila back to the pedestal where it belongs.

Lito Atienza is certainly very qualified to become Manila Mayor. He had his primary and secondary education in Ateneo de Manila University and added a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. Despite the fact that their family was monetarily rich, they were hardworking which enabled Lito to enter into the top schools. The Atienza family were also very faithful and God fearing. This mixed background of family values and fundamental religious aspects are certainly very important for the position of public servant in Philippine politics.

Perhaps the best qualification of Lito Atienza is his untarnished name. His father Pepe firmly believed that no wealth could ever be at par with the heritage of good name backed up with a good education. Lito also had lots of peers and always persevered in order to reach his goals. He would take manual labor jobs and even rode along classmates with cars without shame because he firmly believed in hard work as the bridge to our goals.

Lito Atienza would certainly add to his colored history in his participation in Philippine politics by running for mayor. By all accounts, being the Manila Mayor would be best for him and for the city of Manila given his heritage with the place. He lived not only his life here, but also lived with his family in the city which he envisions to prosper. If he is elected, it will truly be for everyone's benefit if we give him a chance to accomplish his dreams of the city for us.

When Lito Atienza announced his intention to run for the mayor position of the city of Manila, many applauded the move. There would be no other person perhaps who is more qualified for the position of Manila Mayor. Apart from coming from a distinguished family in the history of Philippine politics, Lito Atienza also has vast experience as a politician. He has a good clean name established through a reputation of irreproachable character of sincere public service.

-Joel Dumayog

Monday, March 1, 2010

Lito Atienza - Champion Of Neglected Children

Lito Atienza is presently a part of the list of nominees who will enter in the elections for Manila mayor. These Manila elections, yet once again, would be a proof of the aptitude of the discernment of the electorate to pick a candidate who is worthy of the demanding needs of the colorful city. In terms of qualifications, possibly there is no one additional who matches the post more other than Lito Atienza. And amidst those who will compete for mayor in the Manila elections, no one probably has helped more.

In 1992, just as a Vice-Mayor, Lito Atienza constituted with his wife Beng the "Home for the Angels," a child care center for abandoned and abused infants. He created this out of his absolute belief that nobody should feel unwanted. He also acknowledges that some circumstances might forcefully separate a parent from his child and this is why he created this shelter for them. The center furnishes sustenance and all the love which these children could ever need.

This center is the image of the good heart of Lito Atienza. This is what voters should be aware of during the Manila elections. To a certain sense, we are all kids of the city, calling for someone like Lito Atienza to guide us in a city in which himself saw burnt to ashes and which he wants to see rise again to elusive prominence. Such deeds of great magnitude should not be disregarded and should be at the centerpiece during the elections for Manila Mayor.

It would be morally straight if electors during the elections for Manila mayor would pick someone who was vocally against abortion. The principle of Lito Atienza as one of the founders of Home for the Angels has consistently been that abortion is the ultimate child abuse and must be stopped at all costs. The Home of the Angels is a center signified to be action pointed and serves as the accompaniment solution to anti-life challenges. It is a concrete symbolization and generator of hope at the same time for many people.

During these Manila elections, let us not forget that the Home for the Angels has been a logical crisis home for abortion survivors and has helped many neglected, abused and exploited infants ever since it was founded fourteen years ago. It has helped many victims and expected victims have a new set of lives and all of these is due to the merciful heart of Lito Atienza. The elections for Manila mayor would surely be a half-baked race if it did not let in a choice such as him. The office of Manila mayor is a status of action joined with great promises.

A total of 301 babies were served and admitted for case management and crisis intervention from year 1996 to the present and a total of 4,371 men, women and teenagers were assisted and referred through crisis intervention by phone and walk-in referrals from 2006 to the present in the center. A total of 356 students and private individuals were served and provided with Respect for Life Orientation while a total of 314 children ages 0-6 years old for Early childhood care and Development were served in alternative Day Care services through the Learn and Play Outreach Program. These are works of a man who surely deserves to succeed in the Manila elections. In the elections for Manila Mayor, these are deeds of a man that should be up there when we use our discernment.

When Lito Atienza threw his hat into the elections, perhaps many said "finally." The man certainly has achieved a lot but more than this, he has helped a lot. There is a strong indication that all his good efforts will be rewarded during these elections for Manila mayor. He set up the center The Home For The Angels in order to take care of abandoned and neglected children. These Manila elections should reward him with more opportunities to help.

-Joel Dumayog