Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano vowed to support Sulong Pasay, the country’s first public-private initiative that aims to help the local government weather the pandemic-induced economic difficulties.

Rubiano, during the launch of the civic group on June 4, hailed its convenors and assured her full support to its initiatives, especially on programs that are designed to help the city’s economic recovery efforts.

She pointed out that the city government did everything it can within its powers to keep businesses in the city open even during the height of the pandemic.

“Ginagawa po natin ang lahat ng magagawa upang mapanitiling bukas ang mga negosyo sa lungsod at kasabay din po nito ay pinag-iibayo natin ang mga hakbang para mapababa ang mga kaso ng COVID-19,” (We are doing our best to keep businesses in the city open as we continue our efforts to bring down the number of COVID-19 cases), Rubiano said.

The mayor also appealed to the business leaders to prioritize the hiring of local residents in their businesses.

In its manifesto, Sulong Pasay said “it is our mission to help attract more investors in Pasay to create more jobs and revenues during this health crisis.”

“To achieve these, we will assist the local government in developing long-term economic plans as well as help organize various sectors within the city such as those in business, the academe, the church, the workers, the women, the youth and the urban poor,” Sulong Pasay added.

Sulong Pasay is composed of city-based respected industry leaders.