Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced on Monday, Feb. 5, her plans to build a "Kalinga Center" and a new building for the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).
The center is a take-off from the mayor's regular barangay fora program "Kalinga sa Maynila," where the city government brings the free, basic services it offers right to barangays.
Lacuna-Pangan also said that the city government is planning to augment existing schools and build a new facility for emergencies.
The mayor underscored the importance of the MDRRMO in responding to emergencies and calamities.
In her statement, she also expressed gratitude to residents of Manila whom she said have already fulfilled their obligation by paying their dues and taxes dutifully.
"Isa lamang po itong dahilan kung bakit patuloy tayong nagsisinop sa pondo ng ating lungsod. Kaya ang ating pasasalamat sa mga kababayang ginagampanan ang kanilang obligasyon sa pagbabayad ng buwis... napakalaking tulong nang sa gayon, ang lahat ating mga plano sa ating lungsod na kapaki-pakinabang ay mangyayari (This is just one reason why we continue to take care of our city's funds. So we give thanks to the citizens who fulfill their obligation to pay taxes... very helpful, so that all our plans in our city that are beneficial will happen)," she stressed.
The lady mayor commended not only the responsible city residents but also the local finance committee, city treasurer's office, business permit, license office, electronic data processing office, city assessment office, Manila Health Department, and all other units of the local government for their joint efforts in aiding her administration.
The filing of applications for business permits and licenses and payment of taxes and fees have been extended from their original deadline of Jan. 23 to Feb. 9 without surcharge or penalty.
Those who will be filing applications during the extension period will no longer be entitled to the 10 percent discount which had been offered only until Jan. 22.
She also called on all offices, bureaus, and departments concerned to continue helping in encouraging the residents to pay properly and promptly.