Mayor Jeannie Sandoval urged Malabueños to keep discipline alive and help make the city cleaner and more livable as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched its “Yes to Ayos!” campaign in Malabon on Wednesday, April 22.

The drive was launched in Barangay Potrero, Malabon, which was chosen as the pilot city for the campaign aimed at promoting discipline and accountability among Metro Manila residents. It encourages compliance with rules, improve social behavior, and create a safer, more livable, and sustainable urban environment.

The MMDA said the campaign is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to the agency to strengthen programs that foster a culture of discipline.

It promotes discipline in public spaces, including cleanliness along roads and waterways, proper waste management, and adherence to traffic and safety regulations. It also aims to raise awareness and instill a culture of shared responsibility among communities.

In an interview, MMDA Chairman Don Artes said Barangay Potrero was chosen as the launch site, as it is considered one of the symbols of discipline.

“Napili po namin i-launch dito sa Malabon, hindi dahil walang disiplina dito, kung hindi, ito pong Barangay Potrero ay isa sa mga simbolo ng disiplina, napakaganda po ang kanilang mga programa para po sa disiplina (We chose to launch it here in Malabon not because there is a lack of discipline here, but because Barangay Potrero is one of the symbols of discipline. Their programs promoting discipline are very well implemented),” he said.

Sandoval emphasized that achieving a clean, organized, and peaceful community requires the active participation of residents, alongside the efforts of the city government.

She noted that simple acts such as proper waste disposal, following traffic rules, and respecting local ordinances significantly contribute to the city’s overall well-being.

“Ang kaayusan ay nagsisimula sa bawat isa sa atin. Sa pamamagitan ng disiplina at pakikiisa, makakamit natin ang mas maayos, malinis, at ligtas na Malabon (A sense of orderliness begins with each of us. Through discipline and cooperation, a more orderly, clean, and safe Malabon can be achieved),” she said.

“Through this MMDA campaign, in partnership with the city government, we can empower every citizen by bringing closer the knowledge on discipline toward a more orderly city for all,” she added.

The mayor assured that the city government fully supports the initiative and will continue strengthening its programs aligned with the campaign.

Sandoval also called on barangay officials, community leaders, and residents to work together in sustaining orderliness in the city.

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Officer-in-Charge Mark Mesina thanked the MMDA and expressed the office’s readiness to work with barangay officials, residents, and the MMDA to further improve the city and promote proper discipline.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete supported the call for collective action and stressed the importance of continued cooperation among stakeholders.

“The success of this program depends on the continued cooperation of all sectors. Through collective action, we can ensure the order, cleanliness, and peace that every Malabueño deserves,” he said.

The local government hopes this initiative will reinforce the importance of discipline and unity in achieving long-term progress and improving the quality of life for all Malabueños.

The MMDA said the campaign will be conducted with local government units through community activities that promote public well-being in line with its mandate. It will be rolled out in other barangays in the coming days.