MMDA

MMDA stands for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, a Philippine government agency responsible for coordinating planning, policy development, and operations across Metro Manila. It acts as the regional governing body for urban management in the area, with a mandate that spans transportation, infrastructure, and public welfare in the metropolitan region.

The MMDA was established in 1995 through Republic Act No. 7924, also known as the Metro Manila Development Authority Act, and replaced the earlier Metro Manila Commission. It serves as a central coordination mechanism among the local government units of Metro Manila and the national government to address metropolitan-scale issues and implement development programs.

Governance of the MMDA is carried out by a board chaired by an appointee of the President, with ex officio representation from the 17 local government units of Metro Manila and various national agencies. The composition is designed to ensure collaboration among the area's cities and municipality, as well as alignment with national policies and standards.

Key functions of the MMDA include traffic management and road safety, flood control and drainage, solid waste management, public safety, and disaster risk reduction. It also engages in planning and coordinating development projects, maintaining major roads and facilities, and coordinating emergency response during disasters. The agency operates programs and schemes to manage vehicular flow, enforce traffic rules, and improve regional service delivery.

The MMDA works in conjunction with local government units and national agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation. It has faced criticisms over enforcement practices, funding, accountability, and the effectiveness of certain programs, prompting calls for reform and clearer delineation of responsibilities among regional and local authorities.

Overall, the MMDA remains a central though sometimes contested instrument of urban governance in Metro Manila, created to streamline policy implementation and service delivery in a densely populated, dynamic metropolitan region.