The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Santa Ana, Manila, has publicly disputed a claim in the 100-day accomplishment report of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, saying no ongoing church repair projects are being funded by the city government.
In a Facebook post, the church administration said it was “confused” by a section in Moreno’s report that listed “Pagsasaayos ng Sta. Ana National Shrine” among the city’s recent achievements.
“As far as the church administration knows, the local government of Manila currently has no projects or activities related to the National Shrine,” the statement read.
According to the shrine, the roofing retrofitting now underway is fully financed by private benefactors and not by any city funds. The church emphasized that its renovation efforts have been made possible through donations from the faithful, not from public coffers.
The administration noted that the inclusion of the shrine in the mayor’s accomplishment report has led to “confusion among parishioners and residents,” prompting them to call on the local government to issue a clarification.
“We respectfully request the city government to correct or clarify this statement so that the public will not be misinformed,” the parish added.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned, a centuries-old landmark and one of the oldest Marian churches in Manila, has been undergoing roof retrofitting as part of long-term preservation work.
As of press time, the Manila City Government has yet to release a statement addressing the church’s request for clarification.