Marikina clears streets ahead of 60-day deadline

Marikina City has fully complied with the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) order to clear roads and sidewalks of obstructions ahead of the 60-day deadline.

Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said the DILG was even eyeing to adopt Marikina’s manual report as best practice.

“We have 100 percent complied with the 60-day deadline given by DILG. Sa aming comprehensive manual report, makikita natin na marami na kaming remarks na not applicable. Kasi, marami tayong sidewalks na clear na agad,” he said.

“We asked if we still have to submit a report, since Marikina has no obstruction na, (DILG) Secretary (Eduardo) Año said that yes, just for compliance. He said they want to know how we did it, and so that DILG can use our manual report as benchmark for other cities in Metro Manila,” the mayor added.

Teodoro also said that they will furnish a copy of their comprehensive manual report to the Metro Manila Council (MMC) for the reference of Metro mayors.

The mayor said that Marikina City has a total of  376 kilometers of sidewalks.

According to Teodoro, the real challenge for Metro  Manila mayors was how to sustain the cleanliness of their respective cities after conducting clearing operations.

“The most challenging part is sustaining the sidewalks and roads, making sure that they are always clean and walkable,” he said.

“Us, in Marikina, we have been educating our people way back when I was still a councilor. It was not an easy task but it is doable. We make our residents understand that the roads and sidewalks should always be free from obstructions as it will equate to order and smooth flow of vehicles in the city,” Teodoro added.

Earlier, Año lauded Marikina City for being obstruction free, and having walkable sidewalks.

The DILG secretary met with Metro mayors to tell them that they have 60 days to clear their respective cities of obstructions, and make sure that their streets are safe and clean for the public.