Continuing its efforts to modernize its facilities and promote innovation in public service, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inaugurated the Metro Manila ‘Love Bus’, an interactive gallery, and the MMDA Annex Building in its headquarters in Pasig City.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the inauguration rites with MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, officials from Pasig City, other Metro Manila mayors and partners from the private sector.
In his speech, Artes said these milestone projects represent the MMDA’s commitment to building a more livable, resilient, and sustainable Metro Manila as the agency and its partners move forward together in shaping a future that reflects the aspirations of every Filipino under the Bagong Pilipinas leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
𝑴𝑬𝑻𝑹𝑶 𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑰𝑳𝑨 ‘𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬 𝑩𝑼𝑺’
The first lady inspected the revived Metro Manila ‘Love Bus’, which is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility and provide commuter-friendly public transportation alternative.
The “Love Bus” was first introduced in the 1970’s under the administration of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and was a signature project of then-First Lady and Metro Manila governor Imelda Marcos.
Aligning with the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, these revived ‘Love Buses’ are zero-emission electric buses which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally-friendly public transport. The units, which can carry 36 passengers each, are donated by Robinsons Mall, Megaworld, City of Antipolo, and the Provincial Government of Rizal.
The current six-unit fleet goes around for free in the following routes:
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘦:
From Robinsons Galleria (Ortigas Avenue), turn right to Meralco Avenue, turn left at J. Vargas Ave. MMDA New Building, turn right at Lanuza Ave., turn left at CP Garcia Ave. (C5), turn to Arcovia City, then turn right at CP Garcia Ave. (C5), then C5 J Vargas Ave. Footbridge (near Eagle St.), to Bridgetowne/Opus Mall, then to Eastwood City.
𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘦:
From Eastwood City, exit to CP Garcia Ave. via Orchard Rd., take service road, U-turn underneath the Libis flyover, straight along CP Garcia Ave. (C5) Southbound, turn right at J Vargas Ave., turn right at Sapphire St., turn left towards the Robinsons Galleria ramp back to Robinsons PUV Stop along Ortigas Ave.
All stops have waiting sheds for the convenience of the commuters.
The MMDA is currently studying proposals to expand the “Love Bus” operations, specifically along underserved routes.
“Since rides are free, we need to ensure that the ‘Love Bus’ won’t compete with route franchises.”
“Since rides are free, we need to ensure that the ‘Love Bus’ won’t compete with route franchises and that there are passengers to be served and no public transportation will be affected,” Artes explained.
Routes covering Makati City Hall-Mandaluyong City Hall-Pasig City Hall; Estancia West Wing-Uptown Transport Terminal, and; Eastwood Mall-UP Diliman will be opened in the future.
The MMDA is also in the process of purchasing more Love Bus units to accommodate more passengers.
Rizal Province Governor Nina Ricci Ynares-Chiongbian looked back at the 70’s when “Love Bus” started and highlighted how it was so important and was part of the daily commute back then.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said the revived “Love Bus” will be a big help for residents of Metro Manila, specifically for his constituents.
“Our city is in full support of any efforts of the government to ease the commute,” Sotto said.
Private partners Megaworld and Robinsons Land Corporation headed by their Presidents and CEOs Kevin Tan and Mybelle Gobio, respectively, both thanked the MMDA for the initiative.
𝑴𝑴𝑫𝑨 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑰𝑽𝑬 𝑮𝑨𝑳𝑳𝑬𝑹𝒀
Also unveiled is the MMDA Interactive Gallery located at the right-wing lobby of its main building which showcases the agency’s institutional history, core mandates, flagship programs, and priority projects. It is aimed at strengthening public awareness of the MMDA’s role in metropolitan governance while reinforcing institutional identity among employees and stakeholders.
The First Lady personally experienced the gallery’s modern and interactive exhibits, including multimedia displays, digital presentations, visual timelines, dioramas, and project showcases of the agency’s mandates to provide visitors with an engaging and immersive learning experience.
With the help of its features, the gallery will commemorate institutional milestones, support national observances, and promote public awareness campaigns while fostering pride among MMDA personnel and the public.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed appreciation of the MMDA Interactive Gallery, as she highlighted its importance in teaching younger generations.
“Through this interactive gallery, we are teaching the children appreciation of flood management, solid waste management which are always taken for granted.”
“Through this interactive gallery, we are teaching the children appreciation of flood management, solid waste management which are always taken for granted,” Belmonte said, underscoring that these initiatives are for their future.
𝑴𝑴𝑫𝑨 𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑬𝑿 𝑩𝑼𝑰𝑳𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮
Both the First Lady and Artes unveiled the marker of the annex building which will provide additional institutional and operational spaces supporting the growing needs of the agency in enhancing organizational efficiency and strengthening the delivery of public services throughout Metro Manila.
This houses additional facilities such as:
• Function halls where the Agency can conduct events, seminars, and training;
• A multi-purpose basketball court that will double as an emergency multi-purpose area during times of disasters;
• Public shower and toilet areas;
• A mess hall with a communal kitchen area and dishwashing area;
• Guard houses; and
• Covered pathwalks
Also in attendance are Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan, Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar, and other public and private stakeholders.
