Newspaper rack project kicks off

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando has congratulated officers of the Newspaper, Magazine and Comics Dealers Association of the Philippines (NMCDAP) during the kick-off ceremonies for the Newspaper Rack Project.

The pilot area for the project was the Congressional-Roosevelt-EDSA intersection. Other areas along EDSA will follow.

The MMDA-authorized newspaper rack replaces the old "latag system." It now regulates newspaper, magazine and comics vending along EDSA.

Newspaper vendors from Muñoz market and perimeter areas welcomed the new rack scheme.

The NMCDAP project is considered the answer to the displacement of newspaper vendors in the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila.

MMDA and NMCDAP came up with guidelines which should be followed by participating NMCDAP member-dealers and their registered vendors.

NMCDAP officials said newspapers will be displayed for sale on these racks except those promoting pornography.

Major publications expect an increase in sales and circulation of both broadsheets and tabloids as the implementation of the Newspaper Rack Project becomes metrowide.

Representatives from various publications also witnessed the successful launching.

Attending the launching were circulation officers from the various newspapers, including Deng Lopez from The STAR and Rene Reinoso, Glo Lardizabal and Bien Baltazar from the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Also present were MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno, MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations chief Bobby Esquivel and field coordinators of the different publications.

NMCDAP officers headed by their president, Ramon Tapales along with 1st VP Boy Lumayno, 2nd VP Carlito Corro, 3rd VP Baby Angeles, secretary Rhodora de Vera, treasurer Alex Celeste, business manager Jhun Gagaboan, PRO Edward Aquino, directors Esther Corral, and Erning Galos were there to accommodate and attend to the guests.