Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Wednesday, September 10, pledged the full support of the city government for the upcoming seismic retrofitting of the Lambingan Bridge, calling the project a vital step toward protecting the public from future disasters.

During a meeting with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bridges Management Cluster–UPMO, Domagoso said the city is fully behind the initiative, which forms part of the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP), backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“You have 100% full support of the City,” the mayor said. “I just want you to finish.”

The Lambingan Bridge, which connects Sta. Ana and Punta Sta. Ana, is one of several bridges in the capital set for retrofitting under the multi-year program. According to DPWH, the works on Lambingan Bridge are expected to take 34 months to complete.

While expressing full cooperation, Domagoso also reminded the DPWH representatives that their contractors must comply with Manila’s local tax regulations. He stressed that even national infrastructure projects must honor local ordinances.

“Just pay your obligations to the city under our Tax Code. It’s a very miniscule number,” he said. “You cannot get away with the tax code not even the President, not even me. That’s for the contractor, not the government.”

He guaranteed that official receipts would be issued for every payment, underscoring the city’s commitment to transparency.

He also assured the national government that the city would extend support in securing permits, coordinating with the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC), and managing traffic disruptions during the construction period.

Domagoso pointed out that for several years, many national projects had been carried out in Manila without proper coordination with local authorities. But this time, he acknowledged, the approach is changing for the better.

“I’m just happy that nowadays, things are being put into the right perspective,” he said. “In return, we are being supportive to the development.”

“Gusto namin ayusin, para ligtas ang tao (We want to do things properly, so people will be safe),” he added.

He also acknowledged that the bridge work will inevitably disrupt daily life for residents in Sta. Ana and nearby communities, but urged the public to look beyond the temporary inconvenience and see the long-term benefits.

“We’re going to inform the community that these things will be challenging for the next 34 months of our lives, but it’s for the safety of everyone,” he said.

He ended his remarks by reaffirming the city's commitment to supporting national development, as long as it aligns with the law and serves the people’s interest.

“You’ll have the permit of the city. The city will support you. Your city is your friend, you can do your job building these things,” he said.

As Metro Manila braces for the possibility of a major earthquake in the coming years, Domagoso emphasized that the Lambingan Bridge project is not just about building infrastructure, it is about saving lives.