Duterte asks MMDA to be vigilant in war vs drugs

April 5, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to assume a lead role in government's effort to maintain peace and order, including the fight against illegal drugs in the communities in metropolis. Duterte made the directive during the inauguration of Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center at MMDA headquarters in Makati City Tuesday night. "Be vigilant not only in protecting our people from natural and man-made calamities, but also in our fight against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption," Duterte said in a speech. He also directed the MMDA to initiate programs that would educate the people, especially the youth, on the importance of disaster preparedness and the need to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Duterte also asked the MMDA personnel to be involved in policy formulation by coordinating with law enforcement agencies, the villages, and the local government units. "With the establishment of this Center, we are highlighting the need [for] the MMDA to be more responsive to the needs of our constituents in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces," Duterte said. "Let this Center serve as a concrete reminder to all of you that your primary concern must always be the safety, security, and the welfare of the people," he added. (Celerina Monte/DMS)