DILG commends Isko for showing political will vs. Manila's woes

Newly elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Saturday got a commendation for the Department of the Interior for "hitting the ground running" in solving the city's many woes as he officially assumed his post this week.

In a statement on Saturday, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año praised Moreno for the mayor's initial show of "strong political will."

“Manila is the showcase of the Philippines. It is the first place foreigners see when they come to our country, so I’m pleased that in the first weeks of his administration, Mayor Isko has already shown that the challenges of the city are not insurmountable and can be addressed with political will and commitment,” Año said.

He cited Moreno’s clean-up of Divisoria and other major streets, waste-management program, clearing of water-ways, and anti-gambling program as some of the City Government’s most important initiatives.

But, sustaining the initiatives at solving the city's problems is a big challenge for Moreno, Año added, particularly citing the problem of "informal settler families along esteros and other danger zones."

Also, the DILG chief said, “The City Government’s cooperation in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program is crucial because some of the most heavily polluted waterways are in the City of Manila so we look forward to working with him closely in order to return Manila Bay to its pristine beauty as directed by President Duterte.”

Año also said he has high hopes for the young and dynamic local leaders that have been elected in the last election who are the face of change in the political landscape.

Aside from Moreno, he also cited Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig, Mayor Abby Binay of Makati, and other young local chief executives who are also doing well in their first 100 days.

He said that the DILG fully supports their good governance initiatives. —LBG, GMA News