Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza expressed her support for the city government's initiative to revitalize the iconic Manila Zoo as she called for stronger public-private partnerships to ensure its successful restoration.

Atienza made the statement during a photo contest spearheaded by the city government, Manila Zoo, and other private partners aimed at capturing the essence of the zoo through pictures on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

“Manila Zoo is very close to my heart. Mayroon tayong elepante, matataba ang lahat ng mga animals, at talagang ‘pag pumupunta dito, kahit papano, nakakalimutan nila ang problema nila pag-uwi nila sa mga bahay (Manila Zoo is very close to my heart. We have elephants, all the animals are well fed, and people forget their problems when they come here)," Atienza said.

However, she noted that the past has faded, noting that these animals are not properly taken care of in the past.

She emphasized that the current administration, led by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, has now prioritized the zoo’s rehabilitation as part of their vision for Manila’s tourism

With this new direction, the vice mayor called upon businesses and the public to contribute to the effort for the betterment of the city.

“When we assumed office, I asked if I could personally help revive Manila Zoo because I believe it gives hope to the Manileños. This event symbolizes that here in Manila, we strongly believe that collaborative work is highly enticed and we are very open to private enterprises partnering with us. Kung mayroon kayong mga ideas para tulungan kami kung papaanong mapabuti ang pamamalakad sa gobyerno, puntahan niyo lang po kami dahil bukas na bukas po kami sa inyo (If you have any ideas to help us improve the way government operates, just come and see us because our doors are very open to you)," Atienza noted.

She added that her office is already taking steps to actively seek help from neighboring countries to bring new life to the zoo.

“I honestly tried to knock on the hearts of our ASEAN brothers and sisters to help us get more animals. Many have already said they will help," she said, affirming that through shared effort, the zoo’s revival will pave the way for a stronger and more vibrant city.

“Let this be the first of many other collaborative works that we will be doing for the city because we believe that if we work together, we will be able to make Manila great again," Atienza stressed.