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DILG launches 'culture of discipline' campaign in Manila

By Ferdinand Patinio

November 7, 2019, 9:33 am

<p><strong>'DISIPLINA MUNA'.</strong> National and local government officials and representatives from the private sector join hands to promote a 'culture of discipline' across the country during the launch of 'Disiplina Muna' campaign at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday (Nov. 6, 2019). The campaign aims to revive and uplift the culture of discipline as a bridge towards real change and put into practice the real concept of governance where citizens participate and know their responsibilities to help achieve national growth. <em>(PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)</em></p>

'DISIPLINA MUNA'. National and local government officials and representatives from the private sector join hands to promote a 'culture of discipline' across the country during the launch of 'Disiplina Muna' campaign at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday (Nov. 6, 2019). The campaign aims to revive and uplift the culture of discipline as a bridge towards real change and put into practice the real concept of governance where citizens participate and know their responsibilities to help achieve national growth. (PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)

MANILA -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday launched a national campaign aimed at promoting a culture of discipline in Manila.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the campaign dubbed as "Disiplina Muna" is an offshoot of the successful implementation of the road clearing operations in the country.

The campaign aims to revive and uplift the culture of discipline as a bridge towards real change and put into practice the real concept of governance where citizens participate and know their responsibilities to help achieve national growth.

“We are asking for the support of the public. The government cannot to this alone, we need your support,” Malaya said at the launch of the project held at Bulwagang Villegas inside the Manila City Hall.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, one of the campaign's ambassadors thanked the DILG for choosing to launch the campaign in the city.

The city was chosen for its active efforts in promoting peace and order.

“I and the city of Manila are thankful for this recognition given to us. The expectation is high but we can meet it. I am appealing to all of you. Let's all work together to ensure order in our city,” he said in Filipino.

Moreno, a neophyte local chief executive of the country’s capital, has implemented strict clearing operations against ambulant vendors in some streets of Divisoria and Sta. Cruz, a move that was recognized by national and local government officials.

Aside from Moreno, other Disiplina Muna ambassadors were actor-turned Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lt. Cdr. Diether Ocampo and former reporter Jiggy Manicad.

Political will

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said Manila was chosen for the pilot launching of 'Disiplina Muna' campaign due to Domagoso's political will to clear roads and sidewalks of obstructions.

Siya (Manila Mayor Isko Moreno) ang unang napili dahil siya ang ready agad na tumalima sa challenge at dahil din sa mga naipakita niyang strong political will upang itama ang mga maling nakagawian sa Maynila (He was chosen first because he was ready to take on the challenge and because of his strong political will to correct the wrongdoings in Manila)," Año said.

"Hindi lang naman road clearing ang naging batayan dito at tuluy-tuloy naman ang kampanyang ito hindi lamang sa LGUs (local government units) kundi para sa lahat ng Pilipino. (Road clearing is not just the basis of this campaign and the campaign is continuous not only among LGUs but for all Filipinos),” he added.

At the end of the 60-day deadline for LGUs in Metro Manila to clear roads and sidewalks of obstructions, the DILG gave Manila a "medium compliance" rating.

In a separate message, Malaya said the agency will go to other LGUs to promote 'Disiplina Muna'.

"Manila is the capital of (the Philippines) so it was just symbolic that we held it there. Mayor Isko is the first of many mayors that we will make into Disiplina Muna ambassadors," he said. (with reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

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