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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Isko's birthday wish: Peace on earth, compassion

Mayor Isko's birthday wish: Peace on earth, compassion

Published Oct 24, 2025 11:35 am
Manila Mayor Francisco
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso spends his 51st birthday together with the elderly residents of Luwalhati ng Maynila in Marikina City on Friday, Oct. 24. (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Friday, Oct. 24, made his birthday wish of spreading peace and compassion for others a reality as he spent his birthday with the city's senior citizens living in Manila's long-running welfare home for abandoned, neglected, and rescued elderly residents.
“Ang wish ko talaga: Let there be peace on Earth. Peace in the world, because of what is happening, and peace among us Filipinos. Parang there is too much hate among us. Sana umiral na uli ang malasakit at pag-unawa sa kapwa (My real wish: Let there be peace on Earth. Peace in the world, because of what is happening, and peace among us Filipinos. It seems there is too much hate among us. I hope that compassion and understanding for each other will return)," Domagoso said.
He marked his 51st birthday with around 520 senior citizens living under the care of Luwalhati ng Maynila at the Manila Boys Town Complex in Parang, Marikina.

During his visit, the mayor happily mingled with the elderly while checking on their health and well-being.

Among those present during his visit was Lola Chedeng, a senior citizen Domagoso personally rescued weeks earlier after a concerned netizen sent a viral video showing her sleeping by a wall in Sampaloc. 

“Napanood ko ’yung video mo, kaya pinasundo agad kita. Laging may awa ang Diyos. Masaya ako dahil nagamot ka na (I watched your video, so I immediately had you fetched. God is always merciful and I am happy that you have been cured and is recovering well)," Domagoso told Lola Chedeng, who joyfully replied "Malakas na (I am strong already)."

Drawing from his own experience of loss, the mayor reflected on his continuing promise to celebrate each birthday with the city’s most vulnerable wherein he has made it a tradition to visit shelters on his birthday, dedicating his personal celebration to the elderly, orphans, and children under institutional care. 

Domagoso also revealed that his mother died just hours after his birthday years ago, a memory that shaped his empathy for the elderly.

“Tuwing birthday ko talaga, 'yung personal celebration ko is always with you and our kids — sa ating mga bahay na inaalagaan natin. Espesyal lagi ang senior citizen (Every birthday, my personal celebration is always with you and our kids living in our homes that we take care of. Senior citizens are always special)," Domagoso explained

“Hindi ka pa dadalawin ng mga mahal mo sa buhay, tapos para kang hindi nagkaroon ng pamilya — masakit. Eh tutal, nandito naman na tayo, eh di tayo-tayo na lang ang pamilya. Sa pamilya umiiral ang pagmamahalan, pag-unawa, at malasakitan (It deeply hurts when your loved ones won't visit you and it's like you never had a family. But despite this, we're here, and we will be the family of one another. There will always be love, understanding, and care in a family)," he added, urging the facility's residents to see it as extensions of home and family.

Domagoso's celebration included shared meals with city employees and donors like Jollibee, cakes, and small gift packs. 

He also inquired from the residents their living condition in the facility and if they were being properly cared for. They told him that they were.

Domagoso thanked the staff of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) and the Luwalhati ng Maynila for their compassion and dedication. 

“Walang perpektong tao, walang perpektong gobyerno. Pero basta may malasakit, may pag-asa (There are no perfect people or government. But as long as there is concern and compassion for each other, there will always be hope)," he noted.

Related Tags

ISKO MORENO DOMAGOSO METRO NEWS MANILA CITY BIRTHDAY SENIOR CITIZENS COMPASSION EMPATHY PEACE
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