By Joel E. Zurbano
Reappointed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Romando Artes on Monday vowed to continue reforms he and his predecessors have started, and introduce more programs to improve the agency’s services to the people.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed Artes who vacated the MMDA top post following the designation of engineer Carlo Dimayuga III in August as acting chair.
“I am grateful to President Marcos for his trust and for my appointment as the Acting Chairman. The MMDA is close to my heart, having served as its Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration, General Manager, and Chairman in the past five years, during the term of then-President Rodrigo Duterte,” Artes said.
He said under his watch as AGM for Finance and Administration, the MMDA has been given an unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit for three consecutive years, the highest audit rating given to government agencies for good financial management.
Artes spearheaded the construction of the new MMDA building in Pasig City and assisted in the Department of Health’s vaccination campaign by launching and implementing the Resbakuna Kids Drive in the agency.
He said the opportunity given to him is enough motivation to continue initiating reforms and formulate projects, resolutions, ordinances, and regulations for Metro Manila, pushing for sustainable development of the National Capital Region and furthering improve peoples’ lives.
Artes was earlier named acting general manager of the MMDA, an agency he used to head during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Malacañang, however, has yet to release a copy of Artes’ appointment papers. It has also not disclosed the reason why the President replaced Carlo Dimayuga III, who was appointed acting MMDA head only in August.
A certified public accountant, Artes previously served as MMDA Assistant General Manager (AGM) for finance and administration in May 2017.
During his stint as the agency’s AGM, the Commission on Audit awarded an “unqualified opinion” to the MMDA in 2019 and 2021, which means financial statements are prepared in all material respects and in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.
Artes likewise led the MMDA COVID-19 committee that spearheaded the vaccination of its employees and their immediate families.
Prior to his stint in the MMDA, he was an accountant and lawyer in the City of Biñan in Laguna.
He also served as a political and legislative officer in the Senate and a consultant in the House of Representatives.
Artes graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accountancy in 1993 and obtained his Bachelor of Laws in 1998 from San Beda College.
