Economic activity in the nation’s capital will be protected by the local government of Manila despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso assured his constituents.

The mayor made the remark before officials of 170 chapters of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) as businesses in Manila continue to survive the severe impact of the pandemic.

During a virtual meeting with FFCCCII officials, Domagoso emphasized the importance of adapting to the so-called “new normal” which mandates strict compliance to public health protocols against the coronavirus while going back to work safely.

The mayor also told the federation that he has assured his constituents that the city’s high-impact projects will remain relentless even in the face of pandemic, echoing his rallying call “Tuloy ang Gobyerno.”

“I want to reach as many as possible, to help them survive this pandemic. Pinagtutuunan natin ng pansin (na dapat) may negosyo, may trabaho, may kapanatagan. Kapag maganda ang negosyo, may buwis, at kapag may buwis, (It is our focus that there should have business, job, peace of mind. When business is good, we have tax, and when there is tax) we can redirect it to our programs,” Domagoso said.

“Your city government will not sleep. Hindi kami tutulog-tulog, hindi kami titigil (We will not take a rest, we will not stop). We must learn to live with COVID-19. Families, livelihoods, jobs and businesses will go down to the drain if we are not going to adapt,” the Mayor said.

In addition to the local government’s relentless COVID-19 response efforts, Mayor Isko noted that the Department of Finance has granted the local government of Manila P30 billion net borrowing capacity for its high-impact projects.

Domagoso recalled that the city was able to break ground for the construction of public housing projects such as Tondominium and Binondominium. He also recalled the launch of the construction of Bagong Ospital ng Maynila as well as Manila Zoo.

“Despite the adversity of the city before I assumed office, I am grateful to the DOF for granting us P30 billion net borrowing capacity. We will continue to spend by building long-term programs that address problems and generate income,” Domagoso said.

The local chief executive also said that his administration continues to fulfill his campaign promises and platforms to uplift the nation’s capital by revitalizing and rebuilding it as a vibrant and energetic city.

“We plan, we do our programs, we envision them for the long-term. We have to govern every day by doing the basics. We govern, we put things in order,” the mayor said.
Domagoso thanked FFCCCII President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, FFCCCII members and officials, as well as all other government agencies and private sector groups who are helping the Manila LGU respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mayor also thanked Wilson Lee Flores, FFFCCCII public information  and media committee chairman, for hosting the virtual meeting with officials of 170 chapters of the FFCCCII from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“The federation helped us a lot on this pandemic. I am grateful as mayor and as a Manilenyo, and we are grateful here in the City Government of Manila,” Domagoso said.