The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) welcomed Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III as its new General Manager who committed to apply his extensive experience from the police force to his new phase of career in government service.
During the flag raising ceremony, Torre addressed personnel, expressing enthusiasm for joining the agency and thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the trust in appointing him to MMDA.
“I am excited to join the ranks of the people who keep the metropolis moving.”
“I am excited to join the ranks of the people who keep the metropolis moving and keep the metropolis where we all live, dream, work and do business in, as my new career in government service. I do hope that I will make the contribution expected of me in MMDA,” said the former Philippine National Police chief and a presidential appointee.
In welcoming Torre, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes encouraged the agency personnel to extend all support and assistance to him.
Artes said Torre will take overall charge of the day-to-day operations of the MMDA under his direct supervision and guidance. He will lead initiatives related to public safety, flood control, traffic management and solid waste management in the National Capital Region.
“Through him, MMDA will be actively involved in all flood control projects in Metro Manila from initial planning stage to completion.”
“Torre will engage in discussions with Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon to ensure that MMDA, through him, will be actively involved in all flood control projects in Metro Manila from initial planning stage to completion,” Artes explained.
The new general manager will also personally lead traffic management and enforcement efforts as well as clearing operations on major roads and waterways.
He also vowed to ensure the implementation of three Es of traffic management: engineering, education, and enforcement, with the cooperation of stakeholders, to create a safer and more efficient traffic flow in major roads under the jurisdiction of the MMDA.
With Torre’s extensive experience in the police, he will be tasked to strengthen discipline among traffic enforcers and lead a unit that is involved in conducting internal investigation for misconduct and irregularities in the performance of their duties.
He will also serve as the agency’s spokesperson and handle interviews.
Torre led the inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of portions of EDSA with DPWH and other concerned agencies recently.
During EDSA rehabilitation, travel speed has remained low as one to two lanes were occupied for the 24-hour EDSA rehabilitation works, resulting in slow vehicle movement.
“Since the innermost lanes of portions of EDSA have been repaired, travel along EDSA Busway has been observed faster and smoother,” Artes said.
The repairs in other parts of EDSA continue every 10 pm to 4 am.
