This is Manila, take it or leave it.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it will not hide the slum communities in the country’s capital for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant on Jan 30, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.
In past international events, instant “beautification projects” like huge walls were completed overnight to cover up scenes of poverty in the major streets of Manila.
“This is reality, there is nothing to be ashamed of,” said MMDA officer in charge and general manager. He said that the plan is in keeping with President Rodrigo Duterte’s instructions.
MMDA will continue with its regular clean up routine for the event.
According to Inquirer, “In 2012, when Metro Manila hosted an anti-poverty summit, a billboard was installed to keep international delegates from seeing a slum community near the airport in Parañaque City. A wall was again erected along the same route during the visit of Pope Francis in January 2015.
