‘He guided the vaccination rollout as soon as the vaccines are available, even notching the record of the most jabs given in a single day.’
MAYNILA, Dalhin mo ang Bandila. (Manila, carry the flag).
This is the theme of today’s celebration of the Araw ng Maynila, the 450th founding anniversary of the country’s capital city.
The theme was obviously lifted from the city’s official song, and is most appropriate in this year’s observance of Manila Day because in no other time but now that the whole country looks up to Manila for direction and leadership in the fight against the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic called COVID-19.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has exhorted the city residents to join him and other city officials in the activities celebrating the Araw ng Maynila, which he described as “meant to unite us and be one as we pave the way towards progress and development.”
In this depressing time of public health crisis, with businesses and jobs lost and incomes plummeting, and city revenues barely enough to fund the usual basic services, Mayor Isko tries to lift the spirit of Manileños by asking them to be “exemplary role models and charge the path for our city to trailblaze and lead the country as we have been doing in the past 449 years.”
Earlier, Malacañang thru Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Proclamation 1167 declaring a non-working holiday today in Manila, to give residents the opportunity to join the observance of the city’s anniversary. The proclamation included a reminder to the public to observe safety and health regulations against the spread of coronavirus 2019 during the festivities.
It is worthy to mention that Manila Mayor Domagoso proved himself capable of providing exemplary performance as father of the city since the start of the pandemic. He guided the vaccination rollout as soon as the vaccines are available, even notching the record of the most jabs given in a single day. He also supervised the building in record time of a COVID-19 specialty hospital at Rizal Park, easing the burden somehow for the national government.
Domagoso is also quick to change rules and procedures, the mark of a hands-on leader. When he noticed that only a few residents were reporting to be vaccinated using the SMS appointment system, he quickly reverted to the acceptance of walk-ins in Manila’s vaccination sites.
Meanwhile, it was announced by Manila Rep. Manny Lopez that the Araw ng Maynila Racing Festival will be held today at the Manila Jockey Club in Carmona, Cavite with nine trophy races, cash prizes, medals and trophies for the jockeys and trainers. This event is part of the official celebration of Manila Day.
To Manila, the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City (Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad), our best thoughts today and in the future celebrations of Araw ng Maynila.
