“THE TRUE MEASURE OF A CITY’S SUCCESS LIES NOT IN ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ITS PEOPLE...”
- ISKO MORENO
MANY nations and empires are destined to fade, but cities will endure for centuries. That’s what French historian Fernand Braudel wrote in “Civilization and Capitalism.” Like Rome, Manila has stood at the heart of the country’s trade and history for generations, weathering challenges while drawing strength from its culture, heritage and people.
As highlighted by this year’s theme, “Matatag sa Hamon, Pinagtibay ng Panahon”, Manila’s 455th anniversary celebrates its enduring legacy not only as the nation’s capital, but also as a vibrant crossroads of cultures, experiences and communities.
Commencing the celebration, the Manila City government held a special screening of the Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion for the local government staff at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on June 1. The event also honors the Tondo native and the Philippines’ King of Comedy Dolphy, who served as the protagonist of the original TV series and movies.
“As Manila marks another year of its history, the event serves as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage and the values that have shaped its identity. Its story reflects the resilience, joy, and unity that characterize Filipino families—these qualities continue to influence and inspire generations of Manileños today,” the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila wrote in a social media post.
During the Gawad Manileño 2026, an awards ceremony honoring the city’s exceptional individuals in education, public health, social work, culture and environmentalism, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso underscored the importance of the people driving the city’s success over structural accomplishments.
“Over the past 455 years, countless structures have been built, roads have been paved, and programs have been implemented. But the true measure of a city’s success lies not in its infrastructure, but in the quality of life of its people,” Moreno said.
Honoring the city’s history of resistance and sacrifice, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza led the commemoration of the Battle of Bangkusay at Plaza Moriones in Tondo on June 3. The battle is widely regarded as one of the last major organized acts of resistance against Spanish colonial forces in Luzon, marking a pivotal turning point in Philippine history and the beginning of Spanish rule in Manila.
Based on historical accounts, a nameless warrior from Macabebe led 2,000 Moro troops from Hagonoy, Macabebe and other parts of Pampanga against the forces of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in an attempt to recapture Spanish control in Manila. Unfortunately, Spanish victory claimed over the land and established their colonial power in the city eventually.
As Manila became the central trading post of the Spanish Empire through the Manila Galleon Trade, linking the city to Acapulco, Mexico, it birthed significant influence on global trade networks. This exchange facilitated not only the movement of goods but also cultural interactions, laying early foundations for globalization through the circulation of ideas, people, and material culture.
Today, the port of Manila Bay continues to play a significant historical and economic role, serving as vital hubs for both domestic and international trade and contributing nearly half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
‘Making Manila Great Again’
Fulfilling his campaign promise under the “Make Manila Great Again” message, Mayor Isko Moreno launched a long-term effort to improve public services, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life in the city.
During the City Development Council Meeting on October 8, 2025, where he presented his administration’s first 100 days accomplishment report, Moreno reiterated his vision for Manila’s renewal and highlighted the challenges inherited from the previous administration.
Among the reforms highlighted by Moreno were governance and public safety initiatives aimed at improving conditions across the city. One key area was strengthened police enforcement, particularly in high-crime communities. According to the city government, the Manila Police District recorded a 9.2 percent increase in its crime solution efficiency rate, reflecting efforts to enhance law enforcement and public security.
The mayor also pointed to renewed business confidence in the city, citing the return of investors and the growing interest of businesses in Manila. He said these developments reflect efforts to improve governance, public safety, and the overall business environment, which are seen as key factors in attracting economic activity and generating jobs.
Moreno also emphasized fiscal management as a key component of his administration’s efforts to sustain public services and support the city’s development goals. During a speech in the first flag raising ceremony this year, Isko vowed to make sure funds are used appropriately.
“We will strive to remain frugal and efficient in spending, ensuring that every peso is used where it is most needed. While the city has many obligations to fulfill, the welfare of our residents will remain our top priority in Manila,” he said.
In terms of welfare, the city government’s Kaagapay Program continues to fund the healthcare sector of Manila. The medical assistance initiative helps residents cover healthcare expenses, including hospital stays, medical procedures, and treatments. Designed to support low-income and vulnerable families, the program provides aid to both hospitalized patients and those receiving outpatient care.
On June 18, Moreno announced through the “Talk to the Patients” program that the city government would allocate P15 million in medical assistance to 18 patients, as part of its continuing effort to support residents facing healthcare expenses.
Also a big chunk of the mayor’s commitment is in building public infrastructures around the city that will be beneficial to all sectors of the city.
Earlier this year, Isko led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 15-storey residential building, Binondominium 2, an initiative aimed at providing homes for low-income residents of the city.
Recalling the hardships from his childhood also as an informal settler, the mayor aims to provide permanent housing for families as part of his housing projects. Binondominium 2 will serve as the sixth project initiated under his tenure as the city mayor.
Additionally the Pres. Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital in Baseco Compound, inaugurated last year, is the seventh government-owned hospital constructed in the capital city. According to the Manila Public Information office, the 50-bed hospital accelerated construction under Mayor Isko’s return to office, under his “Bilis Kilos” approach to governance. The hospital serves residents of Baseco and nearby communities, and will support Manila’s other key health programs.
Proposed during his 100 days accomplishment report, Isko has also pushed for renewal of green urban spaces with the conversion of the Intramuros Golf Course to a P2.3 billion public forest park.
On February 23, 2026, Moreno officially submitted the proposal to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) report on the conceptual design and project’s total cost.
“In line with my previous communication with Your Excellency during our meeting on Oct. 17, 2025, and my subsequent letter dated Oct. 14, 2025 regarding my proposal to convert the Intramuros Golf Course into the Intramuros Forest Park as part of the President’s Legacy Projects designed to uplift the quality of life of the residents of the nation’s capital, I respectfully submit this follow through for your consideration,” the mayor stated in his letter.