LGUs used as models my emergency response, aid programs – Isko Moreno

Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno

MANILA, Philippines — Former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso beamed with pride when he remembered how the emergency response and assistance programs he implemented in Manila were emulated in other cities.

In a radio interview on DZRH, the former mayor recalled the implementation of his COVID-19 response plan titled “CODE-M,” which stood for “Contain, Delay and Mitigate.”

“‘Yung CODE-M ang itinatag natin na approach laban sa COVID-19 – contain the infection, delay the growth and mitigate the socioeconomic impact,'” Domagoso said.

(We formed CODE-M as our approach against COVID 19 – contain the infection, delay the growth and mitigate the socioeconomic impact.)

“Natutuwa naman tayo, ginaya naman ‘yun ng ibang mga kasamahan nating Metro Manila mayors na nagkawang gawa. Nagtulong-tulong na ang Metro Manila,” he said.

(We are glad that that was copied by our fellow Metro Manila mayors, who are helping others. Metro Manila mayors helped one another.)

Under his plan, Domagoso heavily invested in upgrading and modernizing Manila’s public healthcare infrastructure.

He also worked on strengthening the capital city’s food security and health services.

“In the given situation, it is timely na lalong palawigin ang investment sa healthcare system, whether it’s a facility, training [for healthcare personnel], or by acquiring more medical professionals,” Domagoso said.

(In a given situation, it is time that the investment in healthcare should be expanded, whether it’s a facility, training [for healthcare personnel], or by acquiring more medical professionals.)

Aside from building new hospitals, laboratories and storage facilities, Domagoso bared the importance of these provisions:

“Gamot, bakuna, pagkain – ‘yun ang may malalaking epekto sa buhay ng tao.”

(Medicines, injections, food – those are the ones that have big impacts in people’s lives.)

“Sa Maynila kasi, 700,000 pamilya buwan-buwan, mayroong food box,” Domagoso said.

(In Manila, 700,000 families every month receive food boxes.)

“Salamat sa Diyos, nakaraos naman tayo. Naitawid natin. Walang nagutom sa lungsod ng Maynila.”

(Thank God, we were able to survive it. We were able to get through it. No one starved in Manila.)

Domagoso is a mayoral candidate for the upcoming 2025 local elections in Manila.