The city government of Manila veered away from fancy activities for its 449th founding anniversary and instead dedicated the “Araw ng Maynila” to the city’s medical frontliners.

“Ngayong Araw ng Maynila di tayo nagdaos ng mga (Today, Manila Day, we did not conduct) festivities, which from my point of view we deserve it as a city and being the capital. But we forgo those activities and we dedicate this day, our 449th year of existence as a city government and as a city to our frontliners, especially yung mga naging biktima ng (those who have become victims of) COVID-19,” Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said.

The 449th founding anniversary of the city of Manila is Domagoso’s first as city mayor.

To personally convey his gratitude, Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, had a virtual meeting with the doctors and nurses from Manila’s six public hospitals, namely Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Tondo, Justice Abad Santos Medical Center, Ospital ng Maynila, and Sta. Ana Hospital.

“Today, Araw ng Maynila is araw ng mga front-liners sa lungsod (Manila Day is a day for our front-liners). It’s all about you today. Please keep yourselves safe and healthy. We need each and every one of you,” he said.

Domagoso surprised medical frontliners with an announcement during the meeting of a vertical housing project for the medical staff working in the public hospitals under the city.

“It is in our pipeline, if we are creating a vertical housing program four our poor Manilenyos, at the same time I want to uplift the standard of living of our employees. Today, Denis Lacuna is already designing, creating a plan with the help of architect Balmores and engineer Andres, a housing for our doctors and nurses and medical practitioners. Lahat ng naka-destino sa ospital at (all those assigned in the hospital and at the) Manila Health Department (MHD). We have already eyed two sites for you and the plan is now ongoing. A decent housing for our employees,” he said.

Dr. Fox Pangan, MHD director, thanked Domagoso for the recognition.

“Isang malaking karangalan sa amin na paglingkuran ang ating mga kababayang Manilenyo. Lalo pa po naming paghuhusayan ang aming trabaho (It is an honor for us to serve Manilenyos. We will continue to improve our services),” he said.

Groundbreaking of ‘new’ Ospital ng Maynila

As an important part of the celebration, Domagoso led the groundbreaking ceremony of the “new” Ospital ng Maynila.

He said it has always been his dream for the city to have a better healthcare system, and be at par, if possible, with Singapore.

“The best way to do it, to show our gratitude as a city government and as Manilenyos, is to build a better facility, hire more people,” Domagoso said.

He added that the city will continue to hire more medical staff for its six public hospitals.

“I prioritized hiring of medical personnel. The reason behind is overworked, over-duty ang doctor, nurses, and health workers because they have to fill up vacant positions. I will not stop hiring. We will fill up all those positions,” he said.

Domagoso took pride in having top-notch medical doctors and workers in the city, which he said, should be paired with top-notch medical equipment and facilities.

“This is our challenge, we have the best doctors, nurses in Ospital ng Maynila, in our five hospitals, in our centers, but if they have limited equipment, tools and facility na hindi na naaayon sa hamon ng panahon at pangangailangan ng panahon, ayaw kong mapariwara yung yamang ito ng Maynila, ang mga magagaling na duktor (which are not aligned with the challenges and needs of the time, I don’t want to waste this treasure of Manila, our very good doctors),” he said.

He added that it is also part of his plan to acquire a true life-saving ambulance for Manila.
Domagoso said he wants to show Manilenyos a new era of public health service.

“Ipakikita natin sa mga mahihirap na hindi komo public hospital ay mukha nang public hospital (we will show them that a public hospital should not look like the old public hospitals). We’ll make them feel loved and cared for. Giving equal value sa buhay ng lahat ng Manilenyo (for the life of all Manilenyos),” Domagoso said. (PNA)