Isko vows to make Manila great again

Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso delivered a 10-year development blueprint that aims to Make Manila Great Again in a nearly two-hour State of the City Address (SOCA) on Tuesday, July 1.

- By DIANN IVY CALUCIN

Speaking before the Sangguniang Panglungsod and a crowd of city employees, guests, and residents at the session hall inside the Manila City Hall, the mayor emphasized the need for street-level governance, financial transparency, and efficient public service, while cautiously correcting misinformation about the city's fiscal standing and administrative operations.

'We begin in the streets'

"Why do we believe we can make Manila great again? Because we have every reason to believe we can. Yes, we can do this. I know this for sure," Domagoso declared, reaffirming his commitment to uplifting the state of the capital city.

Central to his vision is a grass-root, back-to-basics approach he calls "Street Smart Governance.

The strategy puts daily realities like cleanliness, traffic flow, public safety, and community discipline—on top of the agenda.

"We begin in the streets," he said.

Domagoso said garbage must be collected, crimes must be stopped, potholes must be filled, and dark streets must be lighted, emphasizing that these are immediate and urgent concerns that are doable.

He said true reform starts at the level most visible to residents the barangays and main thoroughfares of the city.

City of heritage, talent, opportunity Domagoso highlighted Manila's irreplaceable position in the nation as the political, cultural, educational, and economic capital.

From its role in global trade through its ports, to its cluster of national hospitals and top universities, the mayor called on Manileños to take pride in the city's identity and to harness these strengths for growth.

He proudly declared that Manila remains the nation's cultural hub, faith center, and historical heart from Intramuros and Luneta to Quiapo and Binondo.

Restoring order While steering clear of direct attacks, Mayor Isko addressed lingering issues about government processes and fiscal accountability.