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 consists of volumes of achievements and countless completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished.His political career spanning for more than four decades now is a clear indication 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. Since then, the former Mayor of Manila had been a staunch detractor 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 voicing out his dissatisfaction 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 later employed as at the Information Office of Manila City Hall under 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 banked 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 tenure as a Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa started in 1984, representing the then vast Congressional District of Manila which include the districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, Sta. Ana, Santa Mesa.He was a known staunch ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who persuaded 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 career at the NHA as General Manger, Atienza opted to join the 1988 mayoralty race of Manila where he lost to his then rival Mel Lopez who was supported by President Aquino.Despite the loss, his spirit and will to serve was never defeated 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 noted for expressing his strong opposition in the reclamation of the city’s part of Roxas Boulevard/Manila Bay. The former Mayor of Manila was also able to transform and beautify much of entire city’s former tourist attractions along with the lives and welfare of the city folks. Atienza also devised major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.

After completing a full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza would later serve as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo. As DENR secretary, Atienza started massive effort to execute the ill- executed Clean Air Act. Atienza also focused 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 has also ran after illegal logging operations in the countryside and has also ordered the closures of open dumpsites as part of his drive in protecting our country’s natural resources.

The Manila Elections is vital since the winner would hold power to the nation’s capital. Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor 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 Lito Atienza 2010 banner, Atienza is the most competent and well-loved leaders of the city which makes him a formidable mayoralty bet.

-Joel Dumayog

Maynila residents are witnesses on how they were taken good care of former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza through implementation of various programs under his flagship project Buhayin and Maynila.This program was thought as a beautification drive which is meant only to transform and revive the city’s areas as par of the urban renewal project. On the contrary, the project covers all aspects of social improvement that includes projects on health, knowledge, peace and order, cleanliness and environment, orderliness, livelihood, economic progress, culture and sports. Atienza’s mayoralty stint is characterized by drastic developments in social and community levels, improved living conditions and government services and facilities, and a more simplified bureaucratic agency of the city government of Manila.

Being a devout catholic and head of the Pro-Life Philippines, former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza launched Pro-Life programs     which has opposed campaigns and programs that supported contraception or abortion or any sex education programs. It also under this movement that Atienza supported the Rachel’s’ Support Group, a group of volunteers who have suffered post abortion syndrome and the organization that created the “Tomb of the Unborn” wherein aborted babies are given decent burial and prayers.The former Mayor Manila also has a natural soft spot for Maynila’s elderly and this was evident as he launched the program called Mahal Ko Si Lolo, Mahal Ko Si Lola. This program provided livelihood trainings for the elderly and has helped them enjoy the prime of their lives.

As part of his pledge in empowering women, Atienza founded the Kababaihan ng Maynila, an organization which promotes livelihood program for Maynilas’ women. Feeding programs were also created during former Mayor Manila Lito Atienza’s term as city mayor. In 1986, he established PAGKAIN Foundation or Pagkakaisa sa Kaginhawahan at Adhikain which provided feeding programs, food subsidies and promotion of awareness on wellness, nutrition and health care to city’s poor residents. Atienza has also founded the Home for the Angels, a center that provides child care to forsaken and ill-treated infants.

His remarkable stint as Mayor Manila has catapulted him into great prominence in Philippine politics. As his last term was nearing its end, a lot of people have talked about whether he will seek for a higher position or finally exit the tumultuous world of Philippine politics. Atienza recognized for his achievement in Maynila, was appointed secretary of DENR where he brought his leadership and political will in the agency. Atienza would later spearhead a number of projects all of which were aimed to protect and manage our natural resources.

Among his prominent projects as DENR secretary was the strict execution of the Clean Air Act as part of his efforts in cleaning the air.Atienza also in cooperation with environment groups such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan in protected our country’s rivers and lakes.The former Mayor Manila also vowed to run after illegal loggers and encouraged local officials to close down open dumpsites within their vicinity.Recently, Atienza launched a concentrated effort on tracking farmers who open burn their farm wastes like rice stalks, grasses and other agricultural wastes.Atienza has also proposed the execution of LPG as the main fuel of public buses plying the metro’s thoroughfares.

Atienza became one of the prominent figures in Philippine politics because of his achievement in serving as the city’s mayor for three full terms. Former Mayor Manila launched several programs all of which have significantly helped in the development and improvement of the lives of Maynila folks. Atienza also served as DENR secretary where he achieved success in implementing several environmental programs to protect the country’s natural resources.

-Joel Dumayog

MANILA – Tons of non-biodegradable garbage and water lilies are keeping floodwaters contained in various areas in Metro Manila, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said Thursday, as he stressed the need to strictly implement the waste management law.

“This [effects of tropical storm Ondoy] should be a wake up call. We must change our ways. Dispose of your garbage properly,” Atienza said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda.

He said drainage systems in Manila are clogged with non-biodegradable garbage. He added that water lilies from Laguna de Bay and Pasig River are also preventing floodwaters from receding.

“There are obstructions in the natural drainage. Water from Laguna de Bay is not flowing because of water lilies and fish pens. Technically, it should flow to Pasig River and then to Manila Bay and to the South China Sea,” Atienza explained, adding that if garbage were only properly disposed, floodwaters could have receded as soon as rains stopped pouring last Saturday.

He said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is urging all local governments to strictly enforce Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

He added that he has ordered the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to prevent the reconstruction of fish cages in the Laguna de Bay that were destroyed during the storm’s onslaught.

Officials said 90 percent of Pateros and 53 percent of Taguig remain in chest-deep floodwaters. Several areas near Pasig River, including Rizal and Pasig City, and areas in Laguna province were still flooded, as of posting.

The government’s relief operations have also been hampered by stagnant floodwaters, particularly in Pasig City and Rizal towns.

as of 10/01/2009 12:00 PM

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose L. Atienza yesterday expressed optimism that the Philippines will be able to achieve its original investment target this year of $1 billion instead of its revised target of just $800 million.

Atienza was interviewed on Bloomberg TV in Singapore while attending the Asia Mining Congress. He said the DENR’s renewed optimism is due to the announced investment of Intex Resources and the start of production of at least four gold mining firms.

While acknowledging that the Philippines has been affected by the global economic recession, Atienza said “we have no reason to doubt that we will accomplish our targets.”

In fact, “we are sitting on a mountain of gold, he added.”

The DENR head stressed that “our mineral resources have kept investors focused on us.” He noted that there is a continuing investor interest in nickel production despite the current cyclical drop in nickel prices.

Atienza said nickel production this year is projected at around 100,000 tons of concentrate.

In his keynote address Wednesday, at the Asia Mining Congress in Singapore, Atienza assured potential investors that the Philippine order concern through government continues to addresss the peace and the creation of an Investment Defense Force.

He said the government would continue to “support and pursue” the more than 60 mining development, exploration and mineral processing projects that have been identified as part of the Philippine mining sector’s revitalization program.

These include the Xstrata/Sagittarious Mines Tampakan copper project, Sumitomo’s high pressure acid leach (HPAL) project and Intex Resources’ Mindoro nickel and fertilizer project.

The DENR chief also cited the start of production of two gold mines, that of Filminera Resources Corp.’s Masbate project and Philsaga Mining Corp. in Agusan.

Atienza also mentioned Carmen Copper Corp.’s Cebu mine which is slated to start operation this year.

“The operation of these three mines,” Atienza said, “amidst the crisis, is a significant achievement for us.”

Atienza pointed out that the entry of “some large Philippine corporations, who are acknowledged leaders in their core businesses, also augurs well for our mining industry.”

Atienza noted that “once the world recovers from the crisis, the developing world is expected to drive global growth” with demand coming from China and India, as well as from Japan and Korea.

“We believe that our growth prospects remain excellent. The industry’s growth may slow down, projects might be delayed, but we believe that long-term prospects remain good,” he said.