Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan gave recognition to barangay chairpersons who have contributed significantly to the city and the welfare of the residents.

"Kayo ang nagsilbing pangunahing opisyal ng pamahalaan na madaling nalalapitan, natatakbuhan, napagtatanungan, at nahihingan ng tulong (You serve as the primary government officials who can be easily approached and asked for help)," the mayor said.

Lawyer Princess Abante, mayor's spokesperson, said a total of 18 barangays received awards during the "Awarding of Outstanding Barangay Officials" held at the Manila City Hall.

Abante said three from each of the city's six districts accepted awards.

They were led by Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization (MCBO) head and Third District Barangay Chair Jeff Lau. They were nominated by their own constituents based on the following criteria: responsiveness and dependability, leadership and efficacy, exemplary conduct and ethical behavior, social impact, and personal and social advocacy.

With the recent celebration of the "Araw ng Maynila" or Manila's 453rd Founding Anniversary, the mayor said the local government honored the Manileños who have exerted efforts to contribute to the progress of the city.

She cited everybody's help, cooperation and support as the factors that enabled the city to overcome all challenges and trials and achieve success.

All through the years, Lacuna-Pangan said the barangays have been a vital partner of the city in terms of effective governance.   

"Magpa-hanggang ngayon, kayo pa rin ang sandigan ng ating mga kababayan. Di matatawaran ang ibinibigay ninyong panahon at atensyon para lamang maaksyunan ang bawat isasangguni ng inyong mga kapit-bahay. Kayo ang nagsisilbing katuwang namin sa pamahalaang lungsod sa paghahatid ng kalinga sa ating mga kapwa Manileños (Until now, your role remains as support for our countrymen. The time and attention you give just to act on every concern from your constituents is priceless. You serve as our partner in the city government in delivering protection to our fellow Manileños)," the mayor expressed.

"Ang barangay ang inaasahan na magpa-iral ng katarungan, kapayapaan, kaayusan, kalinisan at kalusugan ng buong nasasakupan. Sadyang napakalaki ng puso ninyo sa paglilingkod sa kapwa tao (The barangay is expected to bring justice, peace, order, cleanliness and good health to the entire constituency. Your heart is really big to serve them)," she added.