Each year, Araw ng Maynila invites us to pause and reflect on the remarkable journey of the Noble and Ever Loyal City—our capital, our cultural anchor, and the birthplace of countless moments that shaped Philippine nationhood. As a proud corporate citizen of Manila, the Manila Bulletin joins the city’s residents and leaders in celebrating this occasion with deep respect for its storied legacy and a determined gaze toward the future.

Founded on June 24, 1571, Manila has stood at the crossroads of empire, resistance, revolution, and recovery. It has been the seat of colonial power and the cradle of national movements. Intramuros, with its walled resilience; Quiapo, with its spiritual devotion; Ermita and Malate, with their artistic flair—all reflect Manila’s identity as a city of paradoxes: resilient yet frayed, historic yet dynamic.

But celebration must also come with clarity and responsibility. Today, Manila faces contemporary challenges that test the strength of its civic and environmental foundations.

Chief among these is the growing concern over overcrowding and the unsustainable pressures it places on urban infrastructure. Densely populated barangays struggle with waste management, housing insecurity, and overburdened public health systems. Open spaces—once a vital part of the city’s charm—have dwindled, and heritage buildings are often overshadowed by unplanned development. The call to decongest and rehabilitate Manila is not just a matter of aesthetics—it is a matter of dignity and public health.

Another pressing concern are the ongoing and planned reclamation projects in Manila Bay within the city’s jurisdiction. While proponents cite economic and urban renewal benefits, these must be carefully weighed against ecological costs, flooding risks, and the potential cultural erasure of historic coastal communities. Manila’s character is inextricably linked with the bay that has seen galleons come and go, revolutionaries sail out, and sunsets that have stirred generations of artists and dreamers. We urge for inclusive, transparent, and science-based dialogue on the future of Manila Bay—one that honors both heritage and sustainability.

And yet, amid these challenges, a cultural renascence stirs.

We commend the local government and cultural institutions working to revive Manila’s public spaces, restore landmarks, and promote its role as a creative and intellectual hub. From the reawakening of Jones Bridge and the Metropolitan Theater, to the promise of cleaner streets, active transport networks, and more responsive local governance, the seeds of urban renewal are taking root.

The Manila Bulletin, headquartered in the heart of the city, stands in solidarity with these efforts. Our mission as chroniclers of national life is inseparable from Manila’s journey. We remain committed to shining a light on its struggles, amplifying its triumphs, and supporting programs that foster civic pride, resilience, and cultural stewardship.

As we mark Araw ng Maynila, let us remember: this city is more than a capital. It is the mirror of our history, the canvas of our identity, and the pulse of our democratic spirit. Let us care for it, fight for it, and shape it—not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will walk its storied streets and witness its enduring glory.

Mabuhay ang Lungsod ng Maynila!