Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Metro Manila
Sama-sama, tulong-tulong: Isko hails national, local gov't cooperation toward better public services
Philippines
Metro Manila
Sama-sama, tulong-tulong: Isko hails national, local gov't cooperation toward better public services
Sama-sama, tulong-tulong: Isko hails national, local gov't cooperation toward better public services
Published Sep 13, 2025 04:09 pm
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., attributing recent developments in the city's healthcare services to the strengthened cooperation between local and national governments.
Domagoso made the statement as he and the city government greeted the President on his birthday, Saturday, Sept. 13.
During the event, the mayor thanked the President, the Department of Health (DOH), and PhilHealth for their continued partnership with the city. He noted that national government agencies have become more visible in Manila, crediting this to the readiness of local hospitals and health centers under OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla.
He cited recent improvements in city hospitals, highlighting that Manila has opened its seventh hospital -- the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital, also known as the Baseco Hospital.
Several diagnostic facilities are now available for free at the Ospital ng Maynila, including MRI, CT scan, mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray, and the city’s first cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Explaining the significance of the Cath Lab, the local chief executive said it enables angiogram procedures that were once too costly for ordinary citizens.
With support from DOH and partner hospitals, he said the city hopes to eventually offer angioplasty as well, noting that heart disease remains one of the leading silent killers.
Domagoso then addressed the officials of PhilHealth, saying that all Manileños should be registered and covered under the Universal Health Care Law (UHCL)
He shared his surprise upon learning that many PhilHealth benefits have doubled or even tripled in value, and stressed that continuity of programs across administrations ensures wider access for the public.
The mayor praised PhilHealth as an active partner of the city government that is working diligently to help our countrymen become members.
"Ang gusto ko, bawat Manileño — bata man o matanda, mahirap o mayaman — ay maging bahagi ng PhilHealth. Hindi lang sa panahon ng aberya kundi maging sa normal na panahon ay miyembro na (What I want is for every Manileño — young or old, poor or rich — to be part of PhilHealth. Not just during times of trouble but also during normal times, they should already be members)," Domagoso said
“Kahit gipit tayo, hindi ako titigil. Galing ako sa wala, nakaraos ako, kaya iraraos ko din kayo, mga batang Maynila (Even if we are lacking in resources, I will not stop. I came from nothing, I survived, and I will do the same for each and every one of you, my fellow children of Manila)," he added.