The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially soft-launched its latest advocacy program, “Yes to Ayos: Disiplina,” on Wednesday, signaling a renewed push for civic responsibility and community cooperation across the metropolis.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes characterized the initiative as a “collective movement” rather than a mere branding exercise, emphasizing that the program’s success hinges on the individual accountability of every Metro Manila resident.
“Through this campaign, we say ‘yes’ to orderly streets, cleaner surroundings, safer neighborhoods, and a more livable Metro Manila for all,” Artes said.
“It reminds us that simple, everyday acts of discipline such as proper waste disposal, following traffic rules and regulations, respecting public spaces, can lead to meaningful and lasting change.”
The “Yes to Ayos Code”
Central to the campaign is a set of ten fundamental habits designed to streamline urban living and foster mutual respect.
The “Yes to Ayos Code” encourages citizens to commit to the following:
- Using designated pedestrian crossings
- Following traffic rules and regulations
- Keeping sidewalks free of obstructions
- Practicing the 4Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
- Not burning garbage
- Being prepared for emergencies or disasters
- Not smoking or vaping
- Proper queueing
- Being on time
- Being polite and respectful
Community Integration and Engagement
To make the message more accessible, especially to the youth, the MMDA introduced “Lola Daisy Plina,” the campaign’s official mascot. The character is intended to serve as a relatable figure for promoting positive daily habits and traditional Filipino values.
Furthermore, the “Yes to Ayos” framework will absorb and enhance two of the agency’s primary grassroots programs: Bayanihan sa Barangay and Bayanihan sa Estero.
By integrating these initiatives, the MMDA aims to synchronize community cleanup drives with local cooperation efforts to significantly improve urban sanitation and flood mitigation.
Following the Malabon launch, the agency expects to roll out the campaign across other local government units in Metro Manila to build a unified culture of discipline.