FIRST Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos joined Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Don Artes and key Metro Manila officials on Wednesday to inaugurate three major projects at the agency’s headquarters in Pasig City: the revived Metro Manila “Love Bus,” an interactive gallery, and the new MMDA Annex Building.
The highlight of the event was the official return of the “Love Bus,” a iconic transit service first launched in the 1970s under former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Reimagined for modern sustainability, the newly unveiled fleet consists of zero-emission electric buses capable of carrying 36 passengers each.
Donated by private partners including Robinsons Land Corporation and Megaworld, as well as the Antipolo City and Rizal provincial governments, the current six-unit fleet will provide free rides daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Initial routes connect key commercial hubs across Pasig, Quezon City, and surrounding areas, including Robinsons Galleria, Arcovia City, Bridgetowne, and Eastwood City.
MMDA is actively studying additional underserved routes covering Makati, Mandaluyong, and UP Diliman to expand the service without disrupting existing public transport franchises.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares-Chiongbian both lauded the initiative, noting its immediate benefit to daily commuters.
Alongside the fleet rollout, officials unveiled the MMDA Interactive Gallery in the main building’s right-wing lobby.
Featuring digital presentations, visual timelines, and interactive displays, the gallery highlights the agency’s core mandates, including flood control and solid waste management.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte praised the facility for its role in educating younger generations on urban management.
Finally, the agency formally opened the MMDA Annex Building to support its expanding operations.
The facility houses multi-purpose event spaces, employee amenities, and a basketball court designed to double as an emergency evacuation shelter during public disasters.
Chairman Artes noted that the combined projects reflect the agency’s commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable metropolis under the Bagong Pilipinas administration.
