Atienza calls on youth for support

Manila Sports Commission (Masco) head Arnold "Ali" Atienza said yesterday he is banking on the youth to support him in the upcoming local elections.

"About 70 percent of the population of Manila is made up of the youth. That means 70 percent are for Ali Atienza," he said. Demographically, the age range of the youth is from 18 to 35 years old.

The 34-year-old Atienza – who is hoping to succeed his father, incumbent Mayor Lito Atienza – met with some 3,000 youth members of the Ali Atienza for Mayor Youth Movement at the Bonifacio Shrine beside the city hall at 9 a.m.

Since he assumed the helm of Masco six years ago, Atienza said he has been pushing for the welfare of the youth. He started the Manila Youth Games and has been active in developing new youth leaders through seminars.

Atienza said unlike others who are eyeing Manila’s top post, he understands today’s youth. He noted that while other candidates refuse to embrace technological advances, he knows how to use a cellular phone and is familiar with the Internet.

He also said he is also aware of the latest dance moves.

Atienza also joked that just like other youths, he is single and looking for a spouse. He is the only bachelor running for Manila mayor.

He said even though he has not yet officially filed his certificate of candidacy, he is already being criticized because of his age. However he said critics who underestimate his capability due to his age are actually underestimating the capability of the youth to lead.

Atienza said many of the country’s heroes were young when they stood up to defend the country: Gregorio del Pilar, Emilio Jacinto, Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo.

Atienza seeks to continue his father’s Buhayin ang Maynila program, which covers improving street lighting and pedestrian walkways. He also plans to install more computers in the city’s 70 public elementary schools and 40 public high schools.