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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Makabagong San Juan agenda showcased in Mayor Zamora's 2026 SOCA

Makabagong San Juan agenda showcased in Mayor Zamora's 2026 SOCA

Published Mar 28, 2026 01:34 pm
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora delivers his State of the City Address (SOCA) on Friday, March 24. (Photo from San Juan PIO)
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora delivers his State of the City Address (SOCA) on Friday, March 24. (Photo from San Juan PIO)

Programs and initiatives to uplift education, healthcare, wellness, and housing for residents took center stage in San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora's State of the City Address, delivered on the 119th San Juan Day, Friday, March 27.

In his address, Zamora showcased the latest developments spearheaded by his administration to improve the lives of his constituents, including the ongoing construction of multiple vertical in-city housing buildings under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), aimed at providing affordable and quality housing for residents. 

He also highlighted improvements in the city's healthcare capabilities, including the increase in San Juan Medical Center's (SJMC) funds for 2026 to P634.5 million -- 124 percent higher than in 2019. 

The mayor said the budget increase aims to elevate SJMC to Level 3, meaning the facility is fully equipped to handle medical concerns or emergencies.

His administration also led to the creation of multiple sports development programs and facilities to further hone the sports edge of San Juaneño youths.

Zamora bared that the construction of the much-awaited Makabagong San Juan Sports Center is right on track and had reached its third floor as of March 24. Completion is targeted before the end of 2027.

San Juan City also takes pride in its strict no-smoking and vaping ordinance, which earned recognition from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Inclusivity for everyone

The city also became one of the first local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to support "right to care" initiatives for LGBTQIA+ couples and unmarried couples following the passing of Ordinance No. 16, titled Recognition of Health Proxies Ordinance of the City of San Juan.

The ordinance permits LGBTQIA+ couples and unmarried couples to obtain a Right to Care Card issued by San Juan City's Gender & Development Office, granting them the right to make medical decisions for their partners when needed. 

The card allows holders to decide on treatments, tests, procedures, and prescriptions through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

Education

Zamora also highlighted his administration's latest efforts to improve student learning, including the construction of a brand-new seven-story building for the Salapan Integrated Schoo, covering pre-school, elementary, junior, and senior high school levels.

He emphasized the city's recognition by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) as one of the leading highly urbanized cities in the country, achieving a 95 percent functional literacy rating.

On Jan. 28, the Mayor’s Dialogue on Accelerating Classroom-Building in Cities and Municipalities was held in San Juan City, led by Zamora and attended by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Sen. Bam Aquino, who proposed the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) bill to address classroom shortages nationwide.

A total of 240 local chief executives from various cities and municipalities nationwide, along with national education leaders, attended the event to discuss concrete and collaborative solutions to address classroom shortages and strengthen basic education infrastructure, particularly in light of the CAP Act.

Beyond infrastructure, the LGU installed 55-inch TVs and continuous internet connection in every public school classroom, distributed free laptops to teachers, and provided tablets with fiber-optic internet to households of all public school students, ensuring a conducive learning environment.

Free school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and financial educational assistance were also distributed to all  public school learners.

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FRANCIS ZAMORA MAKABAGONG SAN JUAN SOCA METRO NEWS SAN JUAN CITY
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