MANILA — In her State of the City Address on Tuesday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna highlighted significant financial achievements, including the repayment of over PHP2 billion of the city's PHP17 billion debt inherited from previous administrations.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the PICC Forum Tent, the debt reduction effort is part of a broader strategy of sound fiscal management. "When the pandemic ended and the new leadership started, I decided to settle first the liabilities that we inherited. It reached PHP17 billion. Through sound fiscal management, I am proud to say that we were able to pay and reduce our financial obligations by more than PHP2 billion," she stated. This effort has been a primary focus since her administration began.
Mayor Lacuna also detailed several social welfare and public safety initiatives. From 2023 to the present, her administration has provided monthly allowances to 184,572 registered senior citizens, along with birthday cakes and special Christmas gifts. Additionally, she expressed gratitude to the City Council for the swift enactment of the Death Benefits Welfare program, aimed at supporting the families of deceased citizens.
Tourism in Manila has seen notable improvements under Lacuna's leadership, with the city being named the "World's Leading City Destination" at the December 2023 World Travel Awards. This prestigious recognition reflects the influx of 14 million local and foreign tourists to the city.
On public safety, Mayor Lacuna reported a significant decrease in crime rates, attributing this success to effective collaboration between the barangay officials and the Manila Police District. "Based on the PNP's latest report, their data showed Manila has the second lowest crime rate in the whole National Capital Region," she added. The city has also conducted over 25,000 operations against curfew, obstruction, and traffic violations.
Concluding her address, Mayor Lacuna reaffirmed her commitment to the residents of Manila, promising to continue working towards a "Magnificent Manila" and not to cease efforts in improving the city.