The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has installed its new general manager following the resignation of its former general manager to seek a national post in the upcoming 2022 elections.
Lawyer Romando "Don" Artes is MMDA's new general manager, replacing Jojo Garcia who resigned from the post on October 4 to run for San Mateo, Rizal's congressional representative.
His appointment was confirmed by MMDA in a statement Wednesday.
Artes served as MMDA's Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration before he assumed the new post.
In a statement Wednesday night, he said he is "humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence given" to him by President Duterte.
"Being the former assistant general manager for finance and administration, I am giving my assurance that the programs and projects being undertaken by the Authority will continue, as I work hand in hand with Chairman Benhur Abalos and the entire MMDA workforce amid our gradual shift to the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Artes also said the opportunity will give him "enough motivation to continue initiating reforms and commitment to provide assistance to the chairman in the formulation of projects, resolutions, ordinances, and regulations for Metro Manila, pushing for sustainable development of the National Capital Region and further imCprov peoples' lives."
"As I embark on this new assignment despite only for a brief period of time, I promise to do whatever it takes to ensure the delivery of quality service to the public," he added.