Save Manila

Our nation’s capital is supposed to be the crown jewel among all the cities in our entire archipelago. Manila is the center and seat of our government. And in the eyes of the world, this city is our standard bearer and the primary destination of tourists.

I’m not a resident of Manila but, like many amongst us, I have maintained my keen interest in its developments and setbacks. After all, its success, or failure, is ours too. And the recent electoral victory of Isko Moreno ushered in a certain reasonable level of excitement and, to some degree, a sense of hope. I’m aware of the issues hurled against him as part of the fierce contest for the top executive position. They’re in the news. But he already won; hence, we can only wish him good luck and extend all the possible support for the city. I don’t know him personally but, along with many of my colleagues and friends, we want him to succeed.

Save our cultural heritage. The city must be the primary custodian and promoter of the remaining historical destinations and structures of Manila. The city is as old as many major cities of the world. Buildings, sites, parks and even the road network comprise the very essence of where we started as a country. There’s so many stories to tell – anecdotes that would make us proud, battles that flame our courage, religious mysteries that keep the faith and the journey of a people that have experienced life at its barest and destiny at its grandeur.

Intramuros, for example, must be fully restored to its rightful claim in our past. For me, the city can perhaps enter into a formal agreement with the national government so that Manila can take charge in relocating the informal settlers. Probably transfer them to Mayor Isko’s Tondotels. Give them the dignity that they deserve, too.

For those who cannot be transferred, or don’t like to go because they believe that they also have the legal claim to the properties since they stayed there shortly after World War II, must have homes that are well built and aesthetically appropriate inside the Walled City. Let’s stop embarrassing ourselves any further. I’ve seen tourists in the area for countless times. I could see and sense their disappointment while walking in the streets adorned with cobble stones. We are remiss in ensuring that our foreign guests would have the best travel experience when they visited this Spanish enclave.

The solutions to the travails of Intramuros is beyond the regular clout of the Intramuros Administration. Saving this Hispanic citadel which was founded during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571 must be a collaboration between several national government agencies and the local government of Manila. The parent agency of the Intramuros Administration, the Department of Tourism, hopefully welcomes any initiative that would enjoin the different valuable efforts in rebuilding the image of this tourist destination. I’ll be the first one to wander inside the walled city once this is done.

Make the whole city safer. Achieving a full haven of safety and security for the city’s residents and visitors, similar to Singapore, is definitely more than mere police work. The challenge is much broader and more complex. It’s tied with the poor economic conditions that plague many parts of Manila, such as the depressed communities of Tondo, port areas towards Navotas and Malabon, side-streets towards Caloocan and La Loma and many other areas deprived of decent housing and livelihood. In other words, poverty lurks and breeds criminality. Then it becomes a vicious cycle. Lack of safety further worsens poverty because businesses hardly thrive in such conditions.

The power of the city mayor is vast. He can make a huge difference if he can compel and inspire the city’s police force to again become Manila’s Finest – both respected and feared. After all, he was once their brother-in-arms. He must have the instinct, knowledge and skills that would convert the policemen into agents of growth by providing the needed sense of security to our business communities, especially in the vibrant Chinatown and the commercial hub in Malate.

This must be coupled with the ease of doing business in Manila. It will make financial wonders if the city booms because of the smooth processes that would support, not hamper, businesses. I heard horror stories and in fact helped some of my friends who had some unpleasant experiences in City Hall before. I had to call Congressman Roland Valeriano for help. He promptly heeded the legitimate request.

The city must again be on top of the list in our country’s local government units. This can be done. I hope that the leaders of Manila will start moving forward as one team with the sole strategic objective of again making their city the pride and vanguard of our country’s progress and destination of choice.