By Minka Tiangco
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso is dedicating this year's commemoration of the Philippine capital's 449th founding anniversary on Wednesday, June 24 to the "brave and dedicated" frontline workers battling the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)
Moreno will lead the wreath laying ceremony at the Rajah Sulayman Park at 8:00 a.m. and the San Agustin Church at 8:30 a.m.
He will then attend the groundbreaking of the “Bagong Ospital ng Maynila” at 9:00 a.m. He is also scheduled to have a Zoom meeting with frontline health workers at 10:30 a.m.
At noon, Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan will join a holy mass at the Manila Cathedral.
The Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) and the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) will hold an online program dedicated to all frontline workers at 6:30 p.m.
During this time, several landmarks in the country's capital will be lit simultaneously.
Participating monuments include the Manila Clock Tower, National Museum, Rizal Monument at Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, Manila Post Office, Jones Bridge, and Mehan Garden.
On Monday, Malacañang declared June 24 a special non-working holiday day in Manila.
This year's "Araw ng Maynila" celebration is the first under Domagoso's leadership. The DTCAM was assigned to organize the said activities.
Participating monuments include the Manila Clock Tower, National Museum, Rizal Monument at Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, Manila Post Office, Jones Bridge, and Mehan Garden.
On Monday, Malacañang declared June 24 a special non-working holiday day in Manila.
This year's "Araw ng Maynila" celebration is the first under Domagoso's leadership. The DTCAM was assigned to organize the said activities.
In previous years, the city's founding anniversary was celebrated with various activities throughout the week leading to June 24.
Domagoso directed DTCAM Director Charlie Duñgo to do away with "pompous" events and to plan activities that will give a "fitting recognition" to all frontline workers, as well as the city's donors, who have been helping them fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Manila mayor said that although the celebration will be simpler compared to previous years, it "will be the most memorable one ever."
Duñgo assured that physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines will be observed during the activities.