Smart supports MMDA’s ‘adopt-a-footbridge’ program

MANILA, Philippines - Telecommunications firm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) expressed support yesterday for the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) program to rehabilitate and maintain close to 80 footbridges in the metropolis.

Spearheaded by advertiser Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc. (IDMI), the project will provide pedestrians with safer and cleaner walkways at no additional cost to the government.

The footbridge along C5 Road in Libis, Quezon City was chosen as the pilot site and was inaugurated in a simple ceremony led by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, together with representatives from Smart and IDMI.

“It looks cleaner and more secure,” said Richard Remon, a call center employee who frequently uses the newly enhanced footbridge.

Through the private-public partnership of MMDA and companies like Smart, pedestrians will benefit from the deployment of security guards and the installation of surveillance cameras at footbridges all over the metropolis. The installation of urinals adjacent to footbridges is also being studied as added convenience for the general public.

“This is proof that government and private companies can work hand-in-hand for a good cause. This is a good project because it directly benefits people in the community at no additional expense to the government,” said Tolentino in his remarks during the inauguration.

Michael Aguilar, president and CEO of IDMI, said they “are happy that Smart supported the project of the MMDA.”

Tolentino said the program aims to provide all Metro Manila footbridges with 24-hour security and even their own toilets.

Tolentino said the beauty of the program “is that we will now be able to repair and rehabilitate our pedestrian footbridges at no expense, since this is a government-private sector partnership. And more than the savings, pedestrians using the footbridges will now be safer and more comfortable.”