DILG Commends Isko for Showing Political Will in Manila

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año commended Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso for hitting the ground running and for showing strong political will in solving the many problems of the City of Manila.

“Manila is the showcase of the Philippines. It is the first place foreigners see when they come to our country, so I’m pleased that in the first weeks of his administration, Mayor Isko has already shown that the challenges of the city are not insurmountable and can be addressed with political will and commitment,” he said.

He cited Moreno’s clean-up of Divisoria and other major streets, waste-management program, clearing of water-ways, and anti-gambling program as some of the City Government’s most important initiatives.

Año said that the challenge to Moreno is to sustain these worthwhile programs in the next three (3) years of his administration particularly the clearing of informal settler families in esteros and other danger zones. “The City Government’s cooperation in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program is crucial because some of the most heavily polluted waterways are in the City of Manila so we look forward to working with him closely in order to return Manila Bay to its pristine beauty as directed by President Duterte,” he said.

“We hope that the actions of Mayor Isko will inspire other Local Chief Executives in other parts of the country to follow his example and to similarly show decisive leadership in bringing about change in their communities because that is what the people expect,” he said.

The DILG Chief said he has high hopes for the young and dynamic local leaders that have been elected in the last election who are the face of change in the political landscape. Aside from Moreno, he also cited Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig, Mayor Abby Binay of Makati, and other young local chief executives who are also doing well in their first 100 days.

He said that the DILG fully supports their good governance initiatives. “Our young leaders can count on our support to implement their good governance agenda. That is why the DILG is here. We are not only your supervisors, we are also your partners and mentors, your guidance counselors and your cheerleaders. Your success is our success as well,” he said.

He again reminded them to attend the 2019 Newly Elected Officials program for LGUs (NEO) which starts on Monday for Provincial Governors with separate schedules for mayors and councilors. “We will help them craft their first 100 days agenda or refine their executive agenda and align these with national programs,” he said.

“All our Local Chief Executives nationwide can count on our support in improving your communities especially in peace and order, the war against illegal drugs, and in stamping out illegal activities in your respective jurisdictions,” he said.

He advised Local Chief Executives to call on the DILG field personnel in their respective areas for support. “If you need assistance in governance, call on our Local Government Operations Officer assigned to your LGU. If you want to improve peace and order, call on your Chief of Police. If you want to improve emergency response or fire safety standards, call on your Fire Station Chief. The entire DILG family is there to assist your administration in serving the people,” he said. (DILG PR)