The City of Manila under the leadership of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto made it into the National Level of Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The city government said the award was "the first time in many years."
The recognition was given to the capital city for its efficient, honest and good governance based on the following criteria: efficient supervision and use of city funds; readiness during calamities and emergencies; sensitivity to the needs of constituents especially the vulnerable sector like senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women, youth and indigenous people (IPs); efficiency in business promotion; maintenance of peace and order in the communities and environment protection.
In her recent State of the City Address (SOCA), Lacuna-Pangan reported that her administration has already managed to pay about P3 billion out of the staggering P17.8 billion debt that she inherited from the past administration.
When it comes to taking good care of the vulnerable sector, she highlighted the city's commitment in her social amelioration program (SAP) which was enabled by an ordinance passed during the time that she was the presiding officer of the Manila City Council, a position she concurrently held as vice mayor at that time.
The SAP provides monthly financial assistance to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disability (PWDs), and university students.
When she became mayor, she said she included the minors with disability (MWDs) as the beneficiaries of the program.
Aside from the cash assistance being given monthly, the beneficiaries of SAP are also provided with job opportunities through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
The free basic health services are also provided for them which include laboratory procedures like x-rays and ultrasound, which can be availed in the 44 health centers aside from the six district hospitals.
The local chief executive thanked the DILG for recognizing the city's initiatives to provide Manileños with a better life and future.
The mayor also cited the good cooperation and unwavering support of all the local officials and city employees.
She said the accomplishments and recognition being reaped by the city would not be possible without their help