Manileños push for Isko return, highlighting city’s CMCI honors

Isko Moreno Domagoso

MANILA, Philippines – As the 2025 elections draw closer, Manileños are growing more vocal about their desire for the return of the city’s former mayor, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, or what many want to call “ISKOmeback.”

Social media is abuzz with hashtags like #YormeBumalikKaNa and #ISKOmingBack, while residents and local leaders reminisce about his transformative leadership from 2019 to 2022.

Manila’s competitiveness soared during Moreno’s term, earning top honors in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). In 2020, the city ranked first in infrastructure and overall competitiveness for highly urbanized cities, while also claiming third place in economic dynamism and resiliency. These achievements continued in 2021 with first-place awards in infrastructure and government efficiency, showcasing the city’s dedication to sustained growth and modernization.

Under the leadership of Moreno, the City of Manila experienced a remarkable transformation, earning widespread recognition for its achievements in governance, innovation, and urban development. With a clear focus on infrastructure and digital progress, the city achieved numerous milestones that solidified its position as one of the country’s leading urban centers.

In the realm of digital transformation, Manila’s efforts were equally groundbreaking. The city excelled in the Digital Governance Awards, securing first place in 2020 and 2021 for its innovative COVID-19 Testing Center Web Laboratory Information System. Other accolades included second-place honors for advancements in government processes and customer empowerment, underscoring its commitment to accessible and efficient public services.

Manila’s pandemic response set a benchmark for urban governance in the country. The city achieved 100% COVID-19 vaccination coverage, earning widespread praise for its effective and timely rollout. The city’s Sta. Ana Hospital received top recognition for its exemplary COVID-19 response and management, while Manila’s innovative programs earned a finalist spot in the prestigious Galing Pook Awards 2021. These accomplishments highlighted Manila’s resilience and strategic planning during a critical period.

Beyond public health, Manila prioritized sustainability and urban renewal, earning the title of Most Improved Estero in NCR for its successful waterway rehabilitation projects. The city was also recognized as the Most Improved LGU by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its compliance with the Manila Bay rehabilitation program. These environmental efforts reflected a broader vision of sustainable urban living.

READ: Manila seniors clamor for Isko Moreno’s return

On the global stage, Manila gained international recognition, being ranked 34th Best City in the World by Time Out Global Magazine in 2022 and listed among Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Top 50 Champion Cities Worldwide. Financially, the city secured its position as one of the Top 3 Richest Cities in the Philippines, with assets amounting to ₱76.5 billion. This financial success was complemented by being named the 2021 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit, signaling a thriving economic landscape under Moreno’s leadership.

For Manileños, Moreno’s leadership represents a time of hope and progress—a stark contrast to what they perceive as stagnation in recent years. Calls for his return are growing louder, with residents reminiscing about his transformative impact. The clamor speaks volumes about the trust and admiration he continues to command.

As the election season heats up, one thing is clear: the people of Manila have not forgotten the city’s “golden years” achieved and enjoyed by all under “Yorme”. For the people of the city, Moreno’s comeback represents a chance to restore the city’s lost momentum.