Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso vowed to strengthen the city’s economy by investing in a skilled and job-ready workforce through free livelihood and skills training programs.

During the graduation of trainees of the Manila Manpower Development Center (MMDC) on Thursday, August 14, Domagoso told the 751 graduates that the city is focused on helping residents overcome unemployment and in boosting their earning capacity.

“The city government's direction is to equip yung mga indibidwal, bata man o matanda, na gusto magkaroon ng means and tools for livelihood (Our goal is to prepare every Manileño, young or old, with the knowledge and tools to earn a living),” he said.

Domagoso lauded the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) led by Jay Dela Fuente, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), for implementing the initiative.

Aside from job readiness, he said the programs are designed to encourage entrepreneurship in a business-friendly environment.

“Sa mga negosyante, welcome sila sa Maynila, magnegosyo sila sa Maynila, maghanapbuhay sila sa Maynila, dahil ang Maynila ay well-equipped and ready to take their job opportunities (To business owners, they are welcome in Manila—to do business, to earn a living—because Manila is well-equipped and ready to accommodate their job opportunities),” he said.

Domagoso urged the graduates to make the most of the opportunities provided by the city and to aim for excellence in their fields.

“Ang pakiusap ko sa inyo, galingan ninyo sa inyong field of undertaking. Sa mga magbubukas ng negosyo na inyong papasukan, sa inyong mga kliyente o boss na inyong mame-meet, don't take the opportunities lightly (My request to you is to do your best in your chosen field of undertaking. For those who will open businesses or enter new ventures, and to the clients or bosses you will meet, don’t take the opportunities lightly),” he said.

The mayor emphasized that boosting human capital is part of a broader vision for socio-economic resilience.

“We abound in human capital. Ang Manileño ay malikhain at madiskarte, edukado at pursigido sa pagtataguyod sa sarili (We abound in human capital. Manileños are creative and resourceful, educated and determined to uplift themselves),” he said

“Let us capitalize on these strengths to attract visitors and investors, increase the productivity of residents, and become a more resilient and progressive city,” Domagoso added.

The local government said that it will continue to provide and support the free skills and livelihood training for its residents.

“Go on, continue. We will always support this kind of venture and activities to make our citizens productive in the City of Manila,” Domagoso said.