After launching its national ‘Disiplina Muna’ (Discipline First) in Manila, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also promote the program in other cities of the country particularly in Marikina, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said.

“We’ll also launch it in Marikina,” Año said in a text message.

Año gave no exact date but said the unveiling might be held before the year ends.

“Isasabay namin sa isang activity kung saan isu-showcase ng Marikina ang best practices nila (We will coincide it in an activity wherein Marikina will showcase its best practices,” he said.

“Hindi naman paunahan ang labanan diyan kundi kung sino ang mag-sustain (The project is not about who is the first to launch but who can sustain it),” he added.

The campaign “Disiplina Muna” is an offshoot of the successful implementation of the road clearing operations throughout the country.

Año said the program aims to revive and uplift the culture of discipline as a bridge toward real change and to put into practice the real concept of governance where citizens are encouraged to help achieve the national growth.

Manila, he said, was picked for the pilot launching of ‘Disiplina Muna’ drive due to political will of its leaders led by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to regain the old glory of the country’s capital city.

“He (Domagoso) was chosen first because he was ready to take on the challenge and because of his strong political will to correct the wrongdoings in Manila,” Año said.

He also lauded Marikina for its consistent implementation of the ordinances on-road clearings with the full participation of its barangays (villages) and residents.

The DILG chief said road clearing has been institutionalized in Marikina through the regular provision of resources to the assigned task force and the inculcation of values to communities and students.

“In Marikina City, for example, obstructions are largely absent and the clearing of roads has been deemed as a non-issue due to the strict implementation of city ordinances regulating the use of sidewalks and roads,” he said.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro earlier said consistent and fair implementation of ordinances is essential in inculcating discipline among residents.

“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 said.

“This is our contribution to national development,” he added. (PNA)