MANILA, Philippines?As a cost-cutting measure, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ceased the operation of its radio and television (MMDA RTV) stations effective on Tuesday.

?I have decided to cease the operations of MMDA RTV because we have been spending at least P1 million every month for it, and so far, it was not able to reach out effectively to the public in terms of information dissemination,? MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said.

He explained that the move was in line with President Benigno Aquino III?s call for austerity in government.

?This is in the best interest of the public and towards the economical pursuit of our mandate. There are more necessary projects that would yield invaluable results for which we could spend the money,? Tolentino said.

MMDA RTV was created in 2008 under the chairmanship of former Marikina City mayor Bayani Fernando to provide timely information and service to the public and bring the agency closer to the public by featuring its various projects and programs.