By Brian Campued
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote discipline and civic responsibility among the public, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday soft-launched its “Yes to Ayos: Disiplina” campaign in Malabon City.
MMDA Chair Romando Artes described the campaign as “more than just a slogan” but a “collective movement” for Filipinos to embrace discipline, accountability, and shared responsibility.
“Through this campaign, we say ‘yes’ to orderly streets, cleaner surroundings, safer neighborhoods, and a more livable Metro Manila for all,” Artes said.
He likewise emphasized that the campaign will not focus on slapping penalties but on creating behavioral change among the public through the promotion of everyday acts such as proper waste disposal, following traffic rules and regulations, or respecting public spaces.
“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.”
To make the message more relatable to the public, the MMDA introduced “Lola Daisy Plina,” an elderly figure who will serve as the campaign’s mascot and will promote everyday acts of discipline rooted in Filipino culture:
- Yes sa pagtawid sa tamang tawiran;
- Yes sa pagsunod sa traffic rules and regulations;
- Yes sa walang obstruction sa sidewalk;
- Yes sa 4R’s—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle;
- Yes sa hindi pagsunog ng basura;
- Yes sa pagiging handa sa emergency o kalamidad;
- Yes sa hindi pagyoyosi o pagve-vape;
- Yes sa tamang pagpila;
- Yes sa pagiging on-time; and
- Yes sa pagiging magalang at marespeto.
The “Yes to Ayos” campaign will likewise incorporate MMDA’s two major programs—the “Bayanihan sa Barangay” and “Bayanihan sa “Estero”—bringing the agency’s services to the grassroots.
Both programs encourage residents to take an active role in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of their communities through clean-up efforts along esteros, rivers, and sidewalks misting operations for dengue prevention, trimming and pruning of trees to avoid obstructions on roads, and painting of road signs, among others.
“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’ becomes a way of life,” Artes said.
The MMDA official assured that the program does not end with the ceremonial launch, noting that they are eyeing for a nationwide rollout as well as schools with the help of the Department of Education. (with report from Bernard Ferrer / PTV News)
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