Romando Artes is the MMDA's new Chairman

There's a new Chairman leading the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). After Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos resigned from his post last February, President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Atty. Romando Artes as the new Chairman of the gov't agency.

“It is an honor to be appointed as the MMDA Chairman. The agency has been my home for the past five years--from the term of the late Chairman Danilo Lim and later under Chairman Abalos,” said Artes.

Atty. Artes, who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), first served as the MMDA's Assistant Secretary General for Finance and Administration in May 2017. He then went on to become the agency's General Manager in 2021.

During his time in the MMDA's Finance and Administration, Artest managed the budget and finances of the agency. He was also instrumental in the MMDA's ISO 9001:2015 certification. In addition, he led the COVID-19 Committee of the MMDA which managed to inoculate almost all of the agency's employees and their immediate families.

He also supervised the Public-Private Partnership program that facilitated the construction of the MMDA’s new headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig City which is set to be finished this year.

“I will continue to work for the completion of the projects and programs needed and pursuant to our mandates - traffic, solid waste, and flood management, urban renewal, public safety among others, and the equally important COVID-19 vaccination as we transition to the new normal,” added Artes.

With Artes now serving as Chairman, MMDA Undersecretary Frisco S. San Juan Jr. has been appointed as General Manager concurrent to being the agency's Deputy Chairman. With it, San Juan vowed that he will help Artest formulate projects, resolutions, and regulations that will benefit Metro Manila.

“With my appointment as the agency's General Manager, I assure the public that I will work hand in hand with the Chairman in delivering quality services to the entire MMDA and its people,” added San Juan.

San Juan also serves as the head of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS), an alternative means of transportation to help ease traffic congestion in the metro. He sees the ferry service as a solution to alleviate traffic problems in Metro Manila as it transitions to the new normal.