MMDA, QC LGU conduct clearing operations at Balintawak Market

PASIG CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte personally oversee the clearing operations in Balintawak Market early Wednesday, a few days before the deadline set by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the local government units in Metro Manila to clear roads of obstructions.

Garbage and motorcycles encroaching the sidewalk were cleared by members of MMDA's Metro Parkways Clearing Group. Vendors were also reminded not to impede both the road and sidewalk.

According to Abalos, the agency will deploy personnel to help the barangay in maintaining the cleanliness of the roads.

"We leave it to the barangay captain to sustain what we've cleared here while we are helping them to rid streets of illegal obstructions," Abalos said.

Belmonte, for her part, said that since the first road clearing operations by the DILG, much has changed at Balintawak Market.

"Our dialogue with the vendors continue to make sure that they are compliant with the road clearing directive," Belmonte explained.

Abalos appeals to the public for discipline but vows to enforce strict implementation of the law if they will still violate.

"Our attitude is the solution. If it's prohibited to throw garbage, don't do it; park your vehicles properly. If you still violate, we have no choice but to call you out and issue citation ticket."

The MMDA Chairman also expressed gratefulness to Belmonte for her full support to the MMDA, underscoring the importance of coordination with all Metro Manila mayors, and the public.

"The MMDA cannot do this alone. We need the help of our mayors. As we clear the whole of Metro Manila, we have to find a system as we assist them in complying with President Rodrigo Duterte's road clearing order."

"Hand-in-hand, we can provide the people better and more effective governance," he added.

Meanwhile, Abalos said that the Quezon City LGU, through Belmonte, donated P100M to the agency for the planned elevated bus ramps as the city requested to re-open U-turn slots along Edsa.

The MMDA chief likewise expressed gratitude to Sec. Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Sec. Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for also allocating funds for the construction of the Edsa bus ramps. (MMDA/PIA-NCR)