MMDA: Manila to lead Escolta revival

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority finally agreed with the position of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and allowed the city government to take the lead in the proposed revival and redevelopment of Escolta, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

Tolentino said he met with Estrada last week. He said the MMDA will now only play a supporting role in Escolta’s revival as a transport, tourism, business, and cultural hub, with the city government of Manila in full charge of the planned initiative.

“Naturally, the city government of Manila should lead the redevelopment of Escolta and whatever major projects in their territorial jurisdiction. MMDA will only be on hand to assist them,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino earlier proposed the creation of an “Escolta Redevelopment Association” that will handle the revival and restoration of Escolta following a meeting with the Escolta Heritage Association early this month.

Tolentino said the idea to revive Escolta came about after the reopening of the Escolta ferry station along the Pasig River that made the area – known as Manila’s old business district – more accessible to the public.

The MMDA noted that during the first two weeks of operation of its Pasig River ferry system, Escolta was the most popular destination of passengers and tourists going to Binondo, Chinatown and Divisoria.

“The proposal is aimed to remember Escolta not just as a historical footnote but as part of the continuing Philippine economic progress,” said Tolentino.

The city government of Manila, Tolentino said, should utilize its redevelopment blueprint in the proposed improvement and restoration of Escolta and the Chinatown area.

“The city government of Manila and the MMDA have pledged to work hand-in-hand in studying this proposal to revive Escolta. On our part, it will be an honor to be part of this endeavor. All’s well that ends well,” Tolentino said.

Estrada earlier opposed the idea that a national government body be tasked to revive Escolta.

Estrada said the national government has already taken over administration of key Manila tourism sites such as the Intramuros Administration, which oversees the historic Walled City, and the National Parks Development Committee, which manages Rizal Park.