DILG lauds Marikina over obstruction-free roads

MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has lauded the city government of Marikina for being an obstruction-free city.

During a meeting with Metro Manila mayors on Monday, DILG Sec. Eduardo Año told Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro that Marikina has no problem in cleaning its city because it is already clean.

"Sa Marikina, Mayor Marcy, wala na tayong problema. Tuwing nadadaan ako diyan laging malinis. Walang obstruction or basura (we have no problem. Whenever I pass by the area, it's always clean. There are no obstructions or garbage)," he told the Marikina mayor in the meeting.

Año met with Metro mayors to tell them that they have 60 days to clear their respective cities of obstructions, and make sure that their streets are safe and clean for the public.

The 60-day deadline was given by the DILG to mayors after President Rodrigo Duterte said in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that he wants the roads that are being utilized for public use to be reclaimed.

For Teodoro, the real challenge for Metro mayors is how to sustain the cleanliness of their respective cities after conducting clearing operations.

"The most challenging part is sustaining the sidewalks and roads, making sure that they are always clean and walkable," he told Metro mayors.

"Us in Marikina, we have been educating our people way back when I was still a councilor. It was not an easy task but it is doable. We make our residents understand that the roads and sidewalks should always be free from obstructions as it will equate to order and smooth flow of vehicles in the city," Teodoro emphasized.

"Sidewalks are beyond the homes of men. Hindi ito para sa pansarili o komersyo na interes kundi ito ay isang (This is not for personal use or for business but this is a) public domain."

Other mayors in Metro Manila then told Teodoro that they want to go to Marikina to observe how his city was able to keep its sidewalks and roads clear of obstructions.

In Metro Manila, the Marikina mayor said 30 percent of roads and sidewalks are clogged because of various types of obstructions.

He believes that the 60 days is enough for Metro mayors to rid other cities of obstructions.

"Marami ang nagtatanong kung sapat na ba ang 60 days. Sa tingin ko, sapat na ito at kayang i-clear ang mga kalsada at bangketa sa loob ng panahong ito (Many are asking if 60 days is enough. I think this is enough and within this period, clearing streets and sidewalks is possible)," the mayor said.

Despite being praised in the DILG meeting, Teodoro still had a meeting with concerned departments in his city to tell them that they should all work tirelessly to ensure that Marikina will always be clean, safe and walkable for the public. (PNA)

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