Some councilors have crossed party lines as the Manila City Council unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso’s popular and dynamic city governance, which they called “local Isko-governance.”
“This simple yet important measure, approved without any dissent, by all councilors from all sides of the aisles speaks profound volumes indeed for it solidifies unity in our city while reinforcing the leadership's vision,” stressed 4th District Councilor DJ Bagatsing.
As principal author of the resolution, Bagatsing said the recognition of the popular dynamic city governance of Domagoso shall serve as “utmost ideal inspiration and most effective example for our future leaders to emulate.”
Emphasizing the bipartisan nature and unifying quality of this “very symbolic yet relevant measure,” Bagatsing said he is not part of the ruling majority coalition in the City Council. He also does not belong to Domagoso’s party, Asenso Manileño, even in previous elections.
In Bagatsing’s resolution, the councilors acknowledged Moreno for “significant first weeks” as mayor, describing it “the most meaningful beginning of administration in recent local history.”
Since being sworn in as the 27th chief executive of the capital, Bagatsing said Moreno hastily buckled down to work and hit the ground running with his first executive order of enacting an “Open Governance Policy of Transparency.”
“Saddled by financial constraints but armed with an inspired vision of the future, (Domagoso) embarked on a bold initiative of massively cleaning up the city’s overly-crowded public streets, public spaces, city parks and blighted neighborhoods,” related Bagatsing.
Capitalizing on young-blooded momentum, the former vice mayor and city councilor instituted order in the city by neutralizing criminals and hoodlums in uniforms and strictly enforcing a “no-take” stand. Bagatsing specifically cited Domagoso’s rejecting bribes so that well-entrenched cartels can continue to thrive in the city.
Instead, Domagoso “opted to continue to put order in the chaotic streets of Divisoria, Carriedo and Blumentritt,” among others, returning them to the people, the resolution reads.
The “Isko-governance,” Bagatsing stressed, has started to embark on massive infrastructure development initiatives and necessary improvements, some through partnerships, such as the modernization of Manila Zoo; the revival of Binondo Chinatown, Escolta, and Bonifacio Shrine; the formation of the University and Tourist Beltways; and the beautification of Arroceros Forest, heritage structures, green parks and cultural monuments.
Domagoso also lowered tax burdens and payment fees and eased business permit and license processing with the one-stop shop system. The mayor has also granted regular financial and regular allowances to seniors, PWDs, solo parents, indigents and students.
With this success, Bagatsing related there is now “a groundswell of goodwill and inspiration catching fire across and among the city’s population.”
This, in turn, creates a positive environment for transformative urban renewal, making considerable headway in reviving the old glory of Manila, he added.
Universal acclaim for Manila’s current resurgence, the councilor said, has even transcended beyond the capital as “Filipinos throughout the archipelago, as well as foreign neighbors in nearby Asia, have been extolling the city’s massive transformation.”
He also pointed out that Domagoso has received recognition from prominent figures like Cabinet secretaries, senators and even foreign diplomats, calling him the “true rock star.”
“It is imperative certainly to indeed recognize and highlight this particular case of a very worthy performance of such a crucial turning point that is projected to usher another golden age for Manila,” said Bagatsing.
Manila residents can now freely experience with pride a belonging a positive awareness for effecting change and a rediscovered loyalty and love for the city, he added.