“USE your power in convincing your constituents to keep their surroundings green, clean and beautiful at all times.”

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim made this appeal to all of the city’s barangay chairmen yesterday, as he, joined by his chief of staff and media bureau director Ric de Guzman and city engineer Armand Andres, graced the inauguration of the newly-concreted Silahis Street in San Andres, Manila.

The street, stretching from Pasig Line to Liwayway, was  ordered concreted by Lim upon the request of the residents who complained of flooding in their area.

As he spoke at the makeshift stage, Lim noted how beautifully the houses within eyesight have been dotted with plants and trees.

“Binabati ko ang mga nakatira dito.  Ang ganda ng mga halaman at puno,” Lim noted, adding that those who are also interested in planting trees within their area to coordinate with the city government which will provide the seedlings for free.

The mayor said the barangay officials can use their influence to encourage the residents to plant trees wherever possible and the city government is willing to assist them in the effort.

“Kumbinsihin sana ninyo ang inyong mga constituents na pagandahin ang kani-kanilang lugar na nasasakupan.  Pag may nag-umpisang isa, sunod-sunod na ’yan,” an optimistic Lim said.

In the same breadth, the mayor urged those who are keeping plants and trees to make sure that their pots do not become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes which also thrive on plants.

He also expressed hope that the residents will take it upon themselves to keep at least their immediate surroundings clean at all times so as not to cause clogging that bring about floods.