Manila mayor ‘Isko Moreno’. (Photo from Manila’s Public Information Office)
Noting that in order to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in attaining success, Manila mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso reminded the nation’s leaders that these goals do not “implement by themselves.”
During Manila’s Summer Pride Parade, the city’s local chief executive backed up his statement by mentioning his administration’s initiatives for progress and development which, he stressed, are the results of actual local work.
To cite the city government’s successes, Domagoso pointed to the free heart procedures being offered to the public, the 12,000 new jobs generated to somehow lessen unemployment and now the conduct of the city’s first Summer Pride Parade.
“The (UN) goals are only as meaningful as the local government is willing to carry them out. They do not implement themselves. They do not fund themselves. Somebody has to do the actual work. In Manila, we are doing the work,” he enthused.
He spelled out concrete examples on progressive advancements in health, education, business, public service and local governance that in sum total would ensure a brighter future for Manila and its residents.
On health, Domagoso cited the opening of the city’s 7th District Hospital in the historically ‘underserved community’ in Baseco and the establishment of a cardiac catheterization laboratory in the Ospital ng Maynila (OsMa), where procedures that normally cost up to ₱300,000 in private hospitals are given free to Manileños. He has also ordered the release of over ₱500 million for medicines and hospital equipment.
For education, the mayor fast-tracked the construction of new public elementary and secondary school buildings that were built
with Smart TVs installed in all kindergarten classrooms citywide. Added to these are the issuance of allowances for the city’s more than 11,000 teachers
Focusing on genuine public service and responsible governance, Domagoso likewise eased red tape in local government transactions by reopening their Electronic Business One Stop Shop and cutting documentary requirements.
“The result in the first three months:
Business tax collection up 300 percent plus, ₱7.1 billion in new investments and over 12,000 jobs generated,” he proudly cited.
In ending the mayor underscored the importance of unity and cooperation as he echoed the Marcos Jr.’s advocacy that “a city that leaves anyone behind is not a sustainable city.”
“Sustainability means making decisions today that the next generation will be grateful for. In Manila, that is exactly what we are doing,” he concluded.