Manila City Vice Mayor Chi Atienza led the council in expressing gratitude on Thursday, Nov. 20, after the Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG–NCR) recognized the 13th Manila City Council as an Outstanding Local Legislative Awardee for its exemplary performance in crafting local laws that establish a foundation for local administration.
Draft Resolution No. 9305, authored by Councilor Elmer "Joel" Par and passed on first reading, formally acknowledges the council’s recognition by the DILG.
According to Par, the award honors not just the elected officials but the entire legislative support system.
"Ako rin po ay dating empleyado ng City Council at ang karangalang ito ay itinataas na rin ang dignidad ng pagiging empleyado (I am also a former City Council employee, and this honor also uplifts the dignity of being a public servant),” the councilor said.
He also attributed the success to the collective efforts of the council secretariat and the leadership of the vice mayor.
The vice mayor approved the resolution and urged the council members to use this achievement as fuel for future work.
"I also would like to make a manifestation that such an award should give you more drive to create more ordinances and resolutions na aaklas para sa ating mga kababayan," Atienza noted.
The city was named the National Capital Region (NCR) Top Performer for the Local Council on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC) 2025 Functionality Audit and the NCR Top Performer for the Informal Settler Families (ISF) Cluster. Additionally, as a Significant and Invaluable Partner for both the Peace and Order Council (POC) and the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC).
The awards were given during the 2025 Urban Governance Exemplar Awards held on November 4, 2025, in Quezon City.
The Office of the Vice Mayor said the recognition reflects Atienza’s commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence and ensuring that every council session is productive and addresses the real needs of Manileños.