President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday, Oct. 17, in Malacañang to discuss collaboration on major infrastructure, housing, and urban development projects in the capital.

The 50-minute meeting was also attended by former Press Secretary Cesar B. Chavez, who currently serves as Mayor Domagoso's chief of staff.

The discussion centered on aligning local and national infrastructure priorities, with particular focus on the proposed Intramuros Forest Park, a major green development project intended to convert the existing golf course within the historic walled city into a public forest park. The initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable urban development.

The proposal was developed in consultation with renowned urban planner and architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., with whom the mayor had prior discussions.

“Napag-usapan po namin ni Architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox, Jr. ang ating proposal sa ating Pangulo na gawing forest park ang golf course sa Intramuros. Nakita natin na underutilized ito at iilan lamang ang nakakagamit, kaya panahon na upang mapakinabangan ito ng mas nakararami nating kababayan bilang isang malawak na green space sa Lungsod ng Maynila (Architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox Jr. and I discussed with the President our proposal to convert the golf course in Intramuros into a forest park. We observed that the area is underutilized and benefits only a few, which is why we believe it is time to make it accessible to more of our fellow citizens as a vast green space in the City of Manila),” Domagoso said.

The mayor also discussed with Architect Palafox the city’s ongoing reforms to the Manila Zoning Board, aimed at streamlining the approval process for business permits and real estate investments.

“Maraming salamat po, Architect Palafox, at sa inyong team mula sa Palafox Associates. Isang karangalan pong makadaupang-palad ang isa sa mga tinitingalang urban planners sa bansa at sa buong mundo (Thank you very much, Architect Palafox, and to your team from Palafox Associates. It is an honor to meet one of the most respected urban planners in the country and in the world),” he added.

In addition to the Intramuros Forest Park, Mayor Domagoso presented several other key projects under Manila’s 10-year Comprehensive Development Plan, previously endorsed by the City Development Council. These include:

-Restoration of Plaza Calderon

-Rehabilitation of the Lawton Underpass

-Construction of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Health and Sciences

Other major initiatives include the completion of Binondominium 2 and 3, the construction of four vertical in-city housing towers within the Bureau of Plant Industry compound, and the implementation of the “Land for the Landless” program in four identified sites.

The city government also intends to continue the operation and maintenance of the Metropolitan Theater, as well as the development of parking facilities beneath the Skyway and NLEX Connector viaducts, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city.

Mayor Domagoso expressed confidence that these projects will be completed within the term of President Marcos, citing the city’s record of infrastructure delivery during his first term as mayor.

Among the completed projects during that period are:

-Tondominium 1 and 2

-Binondominium 1

-Basecommunity, San Sebastian Residences, Pedro Gil Residences, and San Lazaro Residences

-The Bagong Ospital ng Maynila

-The modernization of the Manila Zoo

-New school buildings, including Manila Science High School, Dr. Albert Elementary School, and Rosauro Almario Elementary School

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between the Office of the President and the City of Manila to work closely in implementing high-impact projects that will enhance the city’s livability, economic competitiveness, and resilience.