By Erma Edera
The Department of the Interior and Local Government launched "Disciplina Muna" (Discipline First), a nationwide advocacy campaign in rekindling the culture of discipline among Filipinos, in cooperation with the local government of Manila.
The DILG launched "Disiplina Muna", a nationwide advocacy campaign in rekindling the culture of discipline among Filipinos (Photo courtesy of DILG NCR / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to DILG Spokesperson Usec. Jonathan Malaya, Disiplina Muna is a multisectoral campaign that aims to instill a culture of discipline among Filipinos for nation-building and to achieve genuine change in the country.
The DILG said they would intensify their campaign especially in road clearing, disaster preparedness and resilience, anti-smoking, ease of doing business, liquor ban, tourist spots cleanup and building a functional Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
In his opening remarks, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he was grateful to DILG because they chose to launch the first Disiplina Muna campaign in the city of Manila.
"Kami'y natutuwa sapagkat despite our challenges, minabuti niyong dito simulan ang programa. I hope we can achieve your expectations from us but if we fail, which we are not worried about, ipaalala niyo sa'min kung ano ang tama," Moreno said during the launch at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday.
"Mataas ang expectations sa atin (Manila) but if we fail which we are not worried about, I would rather that we fail while trying than not try at all,’ Moreno said.
On the other hand, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that he expects the full cooperation of all stakeholders of the campaign.
" Ang pagiging citizen ay hindi lang rights kundi may kaakibat na responsibilities. It's always a balance," DILG Undersecretary Marivel Sacendoncillo said as he read the keynote speech of DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.
"Discipline cannot happen with just the government pushing. It has to be pushed from all corners of Philippine society," she added.
Moreno, and Philippine Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Diether Ocampo are chosen as Disiplina Muna ambassadors.
The campaign started with the signing of a pledge of commitment between different government agencies, socio-civic organizations and local government.