President Marcos met with Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in Malacañang on Friday, Oct.17, to strengthen national and local cooperation on major infrastructure and social development projects in the country’s capital.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the discussion focused on the alignment of the national government’s legacy projects with Manila’s 10-year comprehensive development plan, including ongoing works on housing, bridges, transportation, and water systems.

President Marcos cited the importance of close coordination with the city government to ensure the timely completion of projects, including the North and South Harbor Bridge, the retrofitting of the Lambingan Bridge, and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

Also discussed were the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) pipe-laying project in Pandacan, which will strengthen water infrastructure in the area, and the Greater Metro Manila Waterways Cleaning and Clearing Operations and Bayanihan sa Estero Program, which aim to improve flood control and urban resilience.

The President and the mayor likewise discussed closer coordination on social programs — particularly efforts to reach families in street situations, ensure their inclusion in the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and enhance information campaigns for national initiatives such as the National Immunization Program and National ID registration.

According to the Manila Public Information Office, Domagoso also presented several city-led initiatives, including the proposed Intramuros Forest Park, restoration of Plaza Calderon, rehabilitation of the Lawton Underpass, and construction of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Health and Sciences.

He said the city government is also completing Binondominium 2 and 3, building four new vertical housing towers within the Bureau of Plant Industry compound, and implementing the Land for the Landless program across four identified sites.

The mayor also discussed plans to operate and maintain the Metropolitan Theater, and to develop parking facilities under the Skyway and NLEX Connector viaducts to ease road congestion.

Domagoso expressed optimism that most of these projects could be completed within President Marcos’ term, citing his record of project delivery during his first stint as mayor.

During the pandemic years, the Manila City government completed social housing and infrastructure projects such as Tondominium 1 and 2, Binondominium 1, Basecommunity, San Sebastian Residences, Pedro Gil Residences, and San Lazaro Residences.

His administration also oversaw the construction of the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila, the modernization of the Manila Zoo, and the building of new public schools, such as Manila Science High School, Dr. Albert Elementary School, and Rosauro Almario Elementary School.