Moreno celebrates Marcos’ birthday as Manila expands healthcare services

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in file photo. Photo grabbed from Public Information Office/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Saturday, September 13, greeted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. a happy birthday as the city expands its healthcare services with the help of the national government.

Domagoso led officials and residents in singing “Happy Birthday” for the chief executive, calling it a small way of showing appreciation for expanded healthcare programs.

In his remarks, Domagoso thanked President Marcos Jr., the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth for their continued partnership with the city.

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He noted that national government agencies have been more visible in Manila and credited this to the readiness of local hospitals and health centers under OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Grace Padilla.

The mayor cited recent improvements in city hospitals, highlighting that Manila has opened its seventh hospital, the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital, also known as the Baseco Hospital.

“Even now in tough times, I won’t stop. I came from nothing and made it. Now I will be with you through this, Manila citizens,” he said in Filipino.

He also enumerated diagnostic facilities now available at Ospital ng Maynila, including MRI, CT scan, mammogram, ultrasound, X-ray, and the city’s first cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Explaining the significance of the Cath Lab, Domagoso said it enables angiogram procedures that were once too costly for ordinary citizens.

With support from DOH and partner hospitals, he said the city hopes to eventually offer angioplasty as well, noting that heart disease remains one of the leading silent killers.

Turning to PhilHealth, Domagoso urged that every Manileño, young or old, rich or poor, be registered and covered under the Universal Health Care Law.

He shared his surprise at learning that many PhilHealth benefits have doubled or even tripled in value and stressed that continuity of programs across administrations ensures wider access for the public.

Domagoso also assured residents that advanced procedures and diagnostics are provided free of charge in Manila’s public hospitals.

The mayor also encouraged residents to make use of free dental care, emphasizing that Manila’s healthcare services are comprehensive.

“Libre angiogram, libre MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, mammogram,” he said.