Citing the benefits of partnerships forged between the local government and the national, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna commended the help being extended by the city’s five Congressmen to her administration in order to realize worthwhile projects which her administration could not currently afford due to the P178 billion debt left behind by the previous city administration.
Lacuna made the pronouncement as she, along with Vice Mayor Yul Servo and District 5 Congressman Irwin Tieng, led the inauguration of a newly-built Plaza Dela Virgen Community Center in Pandacan on Tuesday (November 19, 2024). Also present were Councilors Charry Ortega and Boy Isip and Bel Isip, as well as barangay chair Jaime Adriano and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan councils of nearby areas led by Barangay 826 Zone 89 Chairman Nell Dan Blas whose onstituents stand to directly benefit from the community center.
According to Lacuna, District 5 is lucky to have a hard-working Congressman in the person of Rep. Tieng, whom she said regularly talks to her about his numerous plans for his constituents.
“Lagi nyang iniisip ang pagbibigay ng magandang pustura sa mga barangayan kaya naman hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip basta ikagaganda ng lungsod,” she said.
The lady mayor said that the efforts of the city’s five Congressmen which include Tieng, is one solid proof that nothing is impossible and things can be done despite budgetary constraints for as long as city officials work together for the benefit of Manilenos.
“Ang hindi kaya ng lokal na pamahalaan sila (Congressmen) na po ang nagpapagawa kaya mahal na mahal ko ang ating mga Congressman. Ang hiling ko lang po ay ating pangalagaan ang community center na ito dahiil ito ay para din sa inyo,” Lacuna said.
It was learned from Tieng that the new community center is the first of its kind in that it even has a service elevator. Said center, he said, provides ample space for various kinds of community activities.
Tieng vowed to build similar centers in other barangays in the city, citing the constant support of Lacuna and Servo who immediately approved and worked on the needed processes for the Plaza Dela Virgen Community Center to push through.
Lacuna, according to Tieng, instantly approved his request for the usufruct for lands to be used for his projects meant to benefit Manilans. Servo, on the other hand, worked for the immediate passage of a Resolution granting the mayor the authority to execute a Deed of Usufruct with Barangay 826 Zone 89. The deed allows for the utilization of a 243.72 square meters of land for the construction of a multi-purpose building.
“The Plaza Dela Virgen Community Center is a landmark building in the 5th District of Manila, being the first of its kind in the district. This center features essential amenities such as an elevator, barangay office, day care center, and a hardwood covered court,” Tieng said.
