Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vows to continue the “Build, Build, Build” program of the current administration but with a new focus – addressing the minimum basic needs of the people.
“If I become president, I will continue the “Build, Build, Build “ program of this administration. But instead of roads and flyovers, I will build hospitals, school buildings and mass housing for ordinary people,” Moreno said during the launch of “Ako si Isko – Volunteers Day” at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
These minimum basic needs, Moreno said, was what prompted him to build vertical mass housing projects in Manila as well as modern school buildings and fully-equipped and world class hospitals such as the COVID-19 Field Hospital in Quirino Grandstand and the soon-to-be finished 10-story New Ospital ng Maynila.
“Ang pangarap ko ay ang pangarap niyo. Ang nais ko ay ang nais niyo,” said Moreno referring to housing, education and health which are the main concerns of his “Bilis Kilos” 10-point agenda for governance.
“Ito ay laban ng ordinaryong Pilipino kung saan araw-araw ay may pangamba siya. Kung may bahay pa siya. Kung kasya ba ang dalang pera para pamasahe. Kung may kakainin pa ba siya sa kinabukasan. Yan ang tunay na araw-araw na pangamba ng tao,” said Moreno.
During the 23 years being a public servant, Moreno said the welfare of the people, what is beneficial to the people, was his guiding principle.
“Paano naman ‘yung mga future development ng ating bansa at ng ating mga siyudad? But for now, tao muna. Murang bilihin, may trabaho, may eskwelahan, may bahay, panatag ang buhay. Dahil may kakayanang itinatag ang pangalan para tugunan ‘yung usaping pangkalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” said Moreno.
Moreno’s 30-minute speech also touched on the need to protect life and promote livelihood in this time of pandemic.
“Mahalaga ngayon ang buhay at kabuhayan. Kaya kinuha kong running mate ay isang duktor. Si Dr. Willie Ong na duktor ng bayan. Duktor na may malasakit sa buong bansa,” said Moreno as he pitched for his vice presidential candidate.
The October 29 event in Quezon City was the first time that Moreno met with the different “Ako si Isko” volunteer groups including those coming from the youth and senior citizens sector numbering more than 50 various organizations.
Because of the health protocols being implemented as a result of COVID-19, the number of attendees physically present at the covered court of the Quezon Memorial Circle was limited to an estimated 200 to 300 people. Other volunteers took part in the activity through Zoom.
The 47-year-old Moreno was accompanied by his running mate Dr. Willie Ong and senatorial bets Moro civic leader and women’s rights advocate Samira Gutoc, former Quezon City councilor Jopet Sison and radio host and entrepreneur Carl Balita.
At the end of his speech, Moreno rallied his volunteers to “go forth and further multiply” as he thanked Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for the warm welcome and hospitality during Friday’s “meet and greet” between the presidential candidate and his supporters.
“Humayo kayo at magparami,” the Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer exhorted his army of volunteers led by former Transport Undersecretary Tim Orbos and former government official Atty. Raoul Creencia.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Mayor Joy, sa mga organizer sa Quezon City at sa iba’t-ibang dako ng Pilipinas for hosting this program. We are very grateful and we are looking forward for more events like this as what we did in Batangas, Tarlac and Pampanga. Tomorrow, we will be in Northern Luzon and in the evening, we will be somewhere in Metro Manila again. So eto, tuloy-tuloy lang, ikot-ikot lang hanggang sa mahilo,” Moreno said in his usual joking manner.
The volunteer’s groups supporting the presidential bid of Moreno include the Ateneo Lawyers for Isko, Isko Moreno Lawyers and Volunteers, Pilipinas God First, Isko Nation, Ranao God First Movement, One Muslim Heart for Isko, BCOBAR or the Bangsamoro Communities Outside BARMM for Isko, Pilipinas God First BARMM, Samahan ng Kuya Agila para kay Isko, Marawi, IDPS; and Bilos Kilos Pinay, Ilaw at Sandigan ng Kabataang Organisado, Integrated Media for Yorme, Tahanan ng Alumni of Tondo High School, Puso ng Maynila, Pledge of allegiance by; Inisyatibo ng Makabagong Pilipino (IMP), Noypi for Yorme, ISKQC (Isko Kami sa Quezon City), Isko Northern Alliance, Isko Tarlac City and Isko Mexico, Pampanga.