Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza received a unique, surprise gift on the occasion of her 44th birthday on Saturday (July 26, 2025).
The gift was a bridge that would aid residents of Barangay 125 in Tondo, in crossing over to the other side of the creek instead of using makeshift rafts or banca which the Vice Mayor notes, pose danger to their lives.
The said bridge was formally inaugurated amid rains and named by Vice Mayor Chi as, “Tulay ng pangako, tulay ng pag-asa” with her parents, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and his wife Ma. Evelina, personally turning over to her the bridge as their birthday gift for her, following an austere blessing before it was formally opened for public use.
It was learned from the Vice Mayor’s brother Ali Atienza, who is currently Director of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), that their father, who also used to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), thought of giving the said bridge to Vice Mayor Chi as a surprise birthday present after they learned that it is a dream of hers.
According to Director Ali, Vice Mayor Chi had been praying and looking for ways to have the said bridge built for the residents of the said barangay who were gravely affected by a fire that hit their area in November 2024.
“During the campaign period, Vice Mayor Chi herself experienced having to use a makeshift raft to get to visit the residents and almost fell into the creek. Since then she had dreamt of being able to provide the residents a sturdy bridge that would ease the difficulties and dangers they face daily when they have to cross over,” Director Ali shared.
“Naalala ni Vice Mayor Chi na matapos niyang bisitahin ang lugar matapos ang sunog, siya ay napaiyak sa sitwasyon ng mga lolo’t lola at mga batang napilitang tumalon sa estero upang iligtas ang kanilang sarili. Sa panahong iyon, ipinangako niya na kapag siya’y nabigyan ng pagkakataong maglingkod, sisiguraduhin niyang magkakaroon ng tulay para sa kanila,” a post on the vice mayor’s social media account meanwhile stated.
“Hindi lang ito simpleng hiling para sa kanyang kaarawan. Isa itong paalala na ang bawat proyektong natutupad ay para sa kapakanan ng mga Manileño — lalo na ang matagal nang nangangailangan ng tulong,” the post added.
