The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially expanded its “Yes to Ayos Disiplina Campaign” to Pasay City on Thursday, placing a heavy emphasis on students and youth to foster civic duty and orderliness throughout the capital region.
Timoteo Paez Elementary School served as the venue for the launch, where MMDA Chairman Romando Artes guided attendees in a pledge centered on nurturing proper conduct during childhood.
”We need to instill discipline from their childhood so they can grow up as responsible citizens,” Artes said.
Artes noted that the authority is looking into a potential collaboration with the Department of Education to create further school-based programs under the campaign.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, who was also present at the launch, noted that the agency purposefully targeted students because an orderly youth sector is vital for the country’s development.
Torre called on parents to teach their children correct trash disposal habits and motivated young individuals to uphold the moral principles learned at home.
He stressed that a significant portion of the agency’s daily struggles, especially regarding environmental care and waste disposal, are caused by a general absence of discipline.
Meanwhile, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano thanked the MMDA for introducing the program to her jurisdiction, stating that it encourages both accountability and order.
”This is what we have always wanted for Pasay City, to be the first sustainable and eco-city,” she said.
Pasay Lone District Representative Antonino Calixto also backed the movement, remarking that it paves the way for stronger communities anchored on accountability and discipline. He pointed out that keeping public roads and areas clean is a shared obligation.
”True change begins only when there is discipline in our hearts. Take this to heart so we can have a pleasant place to live in the future,” Calixto said.
During the event, the Mother Earth Foundation held its Eco-TINGIndahan drive, giving locals the chance to trade recyclable waste for household staples like cooking oil, fish sauce, vinegar, and rice. The swap met ran in tandem with the MMDA’s own “Recyclables Mo, Palit Grocery Ko” program.
The MMDA originally debuted the “Yes to Ayos Disiplina Campaign” in Malabon City on April 22, following orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to promote civic responsibility and better behavior among citizens.
The initiative has since moved to other areas, including a rollout in Pateros on May 21.