MMDA launches 'Healthy Palengke' project

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday launched the “Healthy Palengke” project at the Dagonoy Public Market in San Andres, Manila.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the project is aimed at promoting order, cleanliness, and effective solid waste management in the public markets.

“This project will boost our efforts of keeping Metro Manila clean. I am hopeful that all Metro Manila public markets, through the initiative and leadership of its administrators, will accept the challenge and strengthen their respective cleanliness programs for the health and sanitation of their patrons,” Tolentino said.

The project is mandated by Administrative Order 341 signed by former President Fidel Ramos in 1997 which orders for a multi-sectoral implementation of the Philippine Health Promotion Program through healthy places.

“The three essential components must be present in order for a market to be healthy; there should be convenience, cleanliness, and security,” Tolentino said.

Around 100 MMDA personnel from the agency’s Solid Waste Management Office, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Flood Control and Sewerage Management office, conducted a cleanup operation at the Dagonoy Public Market.

The MMDA also gave lectures on ecological solid waste management system with market vendors.

Meanwhile, Tolentino said the MMDA will also put up a mini-Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Dagonoy public market to encourage proper solid waste disposal and recycling and donate several trash bins.

The MMDA added that other efforts are aimed to institutionalize best practices in the operation of public markets, flea markets, and similar establishments, Tolentino said.

“Subsequently, we will be launching a search for the cleanest and best in solid waste management public market to encourage them, administrators and stall owners, to maintain and sustain cleanliness in their facilities. We are just finalizing the criteria and the prizes,” he added.