Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Lacuna vows to continue Isko’s priority programs
By Marita Moaje
As she takes the helm to become the first woman mayor of the City of Manila, Honey Lacuna-Pangan has assured Manilenyos that she is prepared to lead the nation’s capital.
During her inauguration on Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral, she vowed to continue all the projects and programs taken up by his predecessor, Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso.
“We will continue the construction of complete facilities for the health, order, peace, prosperity, and security of all the people of Manila,” she said in Filipino.
“Expect continued delivery of quality services, care for our grandparents, the disabled, single parents, students, and teachers in public schools, the police, government employees, and ordinary citizens,” she added.
Lacuna-Pangan thanked those who unceasingly supported her, most especially her father, former Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, who was present at the event.
Lacuna-Pangan said she strived and worked hard to achieve his father’s dream.
“Most of all, this is for you, promise, I will make you very proud of me. Because of you, I tried to put an end to the old saying that the Lacuna’s are only for vice mayors. Hopefully, at least for a moment, even just today, it will be clear in your mind that you now have a daughter who has become a mayor,” she said.
Lacuna-Pangan thanked Domagoso for giving her the opportunity to shine on her own, especially as a doctor, amid the Covid-19 pandemic response of the city government.
“He has prepared me well, to be able to continue the realization of all the programs we have laid out for our beloved city. Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, thank you very much. Rest assured, I won't let you down, don't abandon me yet, just stay on the side,” she added. (PNA)
Isko steps down with another legacy: clock tower museum
By Marita Moaje
Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso has inaugurated another legacy that he will leave to the city as he steps down from office on Thursday.
The city’s most famous landmark, the Manila City Hall clock tower, which used to be looked up to but feared by many for its horror stories, has now been converted into a museum.
Aside from unexplainable sound coming from the tower as alleged by many, the clock tower has also become a ‘mini Smokey Mountain’, as Domagoso said.
But now, as it is inaugurated, Domagoso said the city has succeeded once again in protecting one of its heritage.
“In the early time, the people of Manila will look in the tower, ito ang bantayog na tinitingala kasi makikiita nila ang orasan. Now, this is an iconic place for the city and the country, and we're happy to offer it to you today dahil sa ito’y hindi na lang orasan kundi magiging pasyalan din (this is the monument that is looked up because they could see the clock. Now this is an iconic place for the city and the country and we were happy to offer it to you today because it will be not only a clock but also a tourist attraction),” Domagoso said.
He added, “At kung gusto mong mag muni-muni, makita yung 360 degree ng (And if you want to reflect, see the 360 degrees of the) city of Manila, you can avail of that here in the clock tower of Manila City Hall”.
The hexagonal tower was built in 1941, right before World War II, is located on the northern side of the irregularly shaped building designed by Antonio Toledo, and is part of the neoclassical buildings of Manila.
It has become one of the structural casualties of the war after it was heavily damaged but surprisingly remained intact, after the bombardment during the battle and subsequent Liberation of Manila in 1945.
Domagoso said other cities in Metro Manila may be economically richer, however, “no city can get near Manila with regard to history and heritage”.
Domagoso said he wishes the clock tower will symbolize resilience and hope for all those who see it.
“Ang clock tower na ito’y maging alala na tayo’y maging matatag sa buhay na ang pagkakadapa ay magiging tanda ng karanasan sa pagkakamali sa buhay. What matters most, at the end of the day, bangon, move on, yan sana ang maging simbolo, pag kayo’y naglalalakad sa Lawton, pag nakikita ninyo ang clock tower na ito (I hope this clock tower reminds us to be resilient in life, that stumbling means more lessons in life. What matters most at the end of the day is to rise and move on. I hope this symbolizes that as you look at it everytime you pass by),” he added. (PNA)
DPWH wraps up preps for Marcos inauguration
By Ferdinand Patinio
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday announced the completion of its month-long preparations for Thursday's inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“All set for tomorrow’s inauguration - after a month of planning, maintenance works, stage set-ups, cleaning and clearing operations on the National Museum, Manila City venue, the preparation of the Department of Public Works and Highways for the much-awaited inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos wrap up today, June 29, 2022,” the DPWH-NCR said in a Facebook post.
It added that the preparation for the event started with a series of meetings called by Regional Director Nomer Abel Canlas as early as May 12 to plan the venue preparations, including the beautification of the vicinity for the inauguration.
The maintenance crew of the South Manila District Engineering Office under the supervision of the NCR Maintenance Division started working to organize the venue on June 3 after the ocular inspections from June 1 to 2.
It said the eight district engineering offices of the DPWH NCR also deployed their maintenance crew, equipment, and resources to help with the venue preparations.
Aside from the installation of the physical stage, it said the maintenance team has also worked to restore and embellish the areas along the National Museum of the Philippines, and roadways leading to the venue.
Other works conducted include road repair and patching; painting/repainting of curbs and sidewalks, vegetation control, and pruning of trees in the vicinity of the venue.