Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año has commended Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for “hitting the ground running and for showing strong political will’’ in enforcing law and order in Manila after only several days in office.
“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,” Año said.
He cited Moreno’s cleanup of Divisoria and other major streets, waste management program, clearing of waterways, 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 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 added.
The DILG chief hopes the actions of Isko will entice other local chief executives to follow his lead and to similarly show decisive leadership in bringing about change in their communities because that is what the people expect.
Meanwhile, Isko, a week after assuming office, yesterday assured Manileños that the city government will be consistent in putting order and cleanliness on the streets of Manila.
“Wala pa ‘yan, napakarami pa pong problema ng Maynila,” Isko said, recognizing the local government’s clearing operations in congested roads and alleys in the nation’s capital. “Wala pa ako sa ginagawa natin. This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he added.
With clearing operations under way in Divisoria, Binondo, and Quiapo, among other areas, he said that the new challenge facing his leadership is sustaining what has been implemented.
“It seems impossible, but the question now is: Can we sustain it? That’s the seemingly impossible job, but we can make the impossible now possible,” Isko said.
“Ito ang deal ko sa inyo: Kapag nabalik ang Recto, Juan Luna, Soler, at Blumentritt sa kanilang dating chaotic situation, the way you saw it before, huwag na kayo maghinala, isipin niyo na nagkapera ako,” he said.
Domagoso assured Manileños that his administration “will not stop” cleaning up communities.
“I will never get tired of asking for help to clean up our streets. Don’t think na ngayon lang iyan. Non-negotiable ang ating policies. Ang nangyari sa Blumentritt, Carriedo, Soler, Juan Luna, Tondo, ilan pa lang iyan,” Domagoso said. “Paco, Pedro Gil, at ilan pang lugar ang mga susunod. Alam niyo ang naging epekto sa clearing operations, lumuwag ang mga kalye. Inayos ko lang ang order,” he added. (Chito Chavez and Erma Edera)