MMDA: ‘Go green’ project not campaign gimmick for Gibo

Insisting it is just a coincidence, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority maintained its “Go Green" project is not meant to campaign for administration standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes has made the clarification amid growing criticisms for repainting footbridges green, and for placing “Green" ads along key thoroughfares in Metro Manila. “Green is cool and refreshing to the eyes and symbolizes vigor. It is just a mere coincidence that it is also the campaign color of Gibo," he said in an article posted Monday on the MMDA website.

He appealed to the public to look beyond the color green and instead focus on what it truly signifies, which is caring for Mother Nature. Inocentes also enjoined Metro Manila residents to do their share in protecting the environment because the MMDA cannot do it alone. “Our vision is to see a highly progressive metropolis with a competitive standard of living. But we want to achieve that without compromising or sacrificing the ecological balance of our country," he stressed. He added the “greening" of Metro Manila is in line with the agency’s advocacy of achieving a greener environment and make it a way of life for residents of the metropolis. Earlier, the MMDA launched the “Go Green Metro" project, which involves various initiatives and programs aimed to reduce air pollution, improve cleanliness and promote sustainable healthy living and urban health. The project will focus on solid waste management, landscape, traffic and transport management, health and public safety, and environmental protection. The agency's project includes continuous cleaning and clearing of waterways, the door to door garbage collection system, tree-planting along major thoroughfares, the Organized Bus Route, anti-smoke belching campaign, and the total implementation of the no smoking policy in all MMDA offices. “All the programs we are doing under the Go Green Metro project are aimed towards attaining a more livable and decent environment in Metro Manila," Inocentes said. He also said this is in accordance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s policy on “Green Philippines." — GMANews.TV