By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday launched a campaign to promote a culture of discipline and civic responsibility among the public in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote responsible behavior.
During the soft launch of “Yes to Ayos (Yes to Orderliness): Disiplina” campaign in Malabon, MMDA Chair Romando “Don” Artes said the campaign is “more than just a slogan” but a “collective movement” which calls on every Filipino to embrace discipline, accountability, and shared responsibility in the community.
“Through this campaign, we say ‘yes’ to orderly streets, cleaner surroundings, safer neighborhoods, and a more livable Metro Manila for all,” Artes said.
In particular, the campaign will focus on social behavioral changes in the public mindset towards discipline, rather than on penalizing violators.
“We need behavioral change. We need to change the mindset of people when it comes to discipline. Not only for our community, but also for the younger generation,” he said.
The campaign will also incorporate two major programs of the MMDA —Bayanihan sa Barangay and Bayanihan sa Estero- both of which bring MMDA services closer to the grassroots or barangay level.
‘Lola Daisy Plina’
As part of the campaign, the MMDA introduced “Lola Daisy Plina” as the official face of Yes to Ayos, who will remind the public to help people become more disciplined for a better community and Metro Manila.
“Wearing a house dress and sporting a gray hair bun, Lola Daisy gives out a warm and approachable Filipino cultural reference, making acts of discipline closer to home,” Artes said.
‘Yes to Ayos’ Code
In addition, Artes showcased the Yes to Ayos Code during the soft launch, consisting of 10 simple good habits.
These are:
– Yes sa pagtawid sa tamang tawiran (Yes to crossing on appropriate crossings).
– Yes sa pagsunod sa traffic rules and regulations (Yes to following traffic rules and regulations).
– Yes sa walang obstruction sa sidewalk (Yes to having no obstructions on sidewalks).
– Yes sa 4 Rs (Yes to the 4 Rs) – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
– Yes sa hindi pagsunog ng basura (Yes to not burning garbage).
– Yes sa pagiging handa sa emergency o kalamidad (Yes to being ready for an emergency or calamity).
– Yes sa hindi pagyoyosi o pagve-vape (Yes to refusing to smoke or vape).
– Yes sa tamang pagpila (Yes to queuing properly).
– Yes sa pagiging on-time (Yes to being on time).
– Yes sa pagiging magalang at marespeto (Yes to being polite and respectful).
Artes said these simple acts of discipline would help make Metro Manila a better place for everyone.
“Together with our partner local government units, barangays, and communities, we invite you to take part in the activities lined up under this campaign. Let us work hand in hand to build a culture where being ‘maayos (orderly)’ becomes a way of life,” he said. (PNA)
