The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | Jan. 18, 2016

With the forthcoming unveiling of the all-new Ospital ng Maynila (OsMa), Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada is set to implement a comprehensive healthcare program employing state-of-the-art equipment which would expand the provision of free, complete and fully-responsive hospital services to the people of Manila.

Estrada has infused P300 million to rehabilitate OsMa, repair and fortify its half-century infrastructure, procure high-tech medical machines and supplies and refurbish and modernize the hospital’s interiors.
Many Manila residents have said the previous city administration’s statement that it was providing free medical services then was a mere “boastful claim” as Manileños themselves had found out that the services then were lacking and many patients were often told to proceed to other hospitals because certain laboratory or medical procedures were not available in the city hospital that they approached.
Dr. Edwin Perez, hospital director of the OsMa, said during the time of Mayor Alfredo Lim, services in this facility might have also been offered for free, but the hospital would then often refer patients to other treatment centers like the Philippine General Hospital since OsMa did not have the essential diagnostic apparatus and laboratory equipment.
Matagal na panahon mula noong itinatag ang Ospitalng Maynila noong 1969, wala namang CT Scan at MRI. First time after 47 years ay nagkaroon na tayo, Perez said, adding: Noon, libre nga pero kulang naman ang gamot at kulang din ang mga laboratoryo kaya na-se-send out din ang pasyente. Halimbawa may ni-request yung doctor, ipapagawa doon ang procedure sa labas.
Moreover, Perez said he is hoping for OsMa to be recognized as a Center for Excellence by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), an award given to accredited treatment facilities which uphold the highest quality standards of patient care and hospital management.
OsMa is the flagship healthcare provider of the City of Manila and considered as the first city-owned hospital in Metro Manila. It is also the training hospital for students of medicine from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Today, it serves at least 500 patients, including those in the out-patient department, at any given day, for free. This January 31, OsMa will celebrate its 47th Foundation Day.
Health officials said it is only under Estrada’s administration that the city government focused on completing the healthcare requirements for all of its six district hospitals.
Dra. Regina Bagsic, consultant for hospital services and administration, said many of these city hospitals then were in dismal state and lacking in equipment.
She added the skills training programs for doctors were even abolished then and the hospitals were left in decrepit condition. OsMa, for instance, nearly lost its accreditation as a Level 3 hospital due to the city’s mismanagement and lack of support for any upgrade then, she said.
Priority niMayor Erap na pagandahin lahat ng hospital, particularly itong OsMa. Pero hindi lang sa OsMa kundi sa lahat ng ospital. Kailangang pagandahin ang sistema ng ospital, mapadali ang pagtulong sa mga tao at mabigyan agad ng lunas yung mga namomoblema na nangangailangan ng hospitalization. At ito ay libre. Wala silang babayaran, Dr. Perez said.
Asked how the city’s hospital will dramatically improve upon the completion of the rehabilitation program, Dr. Perez said, Unang-una syempre nung katagalan na marami nang sira. Pati mga comfort room sirang-sira noon. Ngayon, pinalitan lahat pati flooring. Pati mga toilet bowl, lahat. Maganda saka mabango na.

The Manila Police District today celebrated its 115th founding anniversary with Former President Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada as guest of honor and speaker. In his remarks, Mayor Estrada commended the members of “Manila’s Finest” for their significant contribution in fighting criminality and restoring order in the country’s capital city, and urged them to continue working together and supporting MPD chief P/Gen. Rolando Nana so that Manila can finally be restored to its former glory. (Photos by Joel Santos)

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | Jan. 21, 2016

Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday was the guest of honor during the Manila Police  District’s 115th founding anniversary celebration at the MPD headquarters along UN Avenue in Ermita.

In his speech, Estrada extolled the “Manila’s Finest” as “my valued partner in keeping our City safe, secure and peaceful.”
The mayor noted his administration has poured in at least P136 million for the allowance and other financial needs of the city’s police as well as some P150 million for their equipment.
Matapos ang matagal na panahon ng kadi-Lim-an, inuulit ko po matagal na panahon ng kadi-Lim-an, ngayon ay bumabangon at humaharap ang Maynila sa isang maliwanag, masagana, at mapagpalang bukas. Marami na pong nabura na nakasira sa ating nakaraan. Burado na ang ating mga utang. In 2013, Manila had total unpaid obligations of more than P5 billion. Today, that figure stands at zero,” Estrada said, adding
“because we succeeded in erasing Manila’s debts, we started fulfilling our obligations to those who had waited so long to receive what was due  them. Unang-una po diyan ay ang magigiting na kapulisan ng MPD. Before this ay 2 ½ years kayong walang natanggap na allowance. Paano nga ba kayo mabibigyan eh binangkarote ng dating administrasyon ang Maynila”
The mayor further said, “But I chose to prioritize the allowances of the MPD. Dahil bawa’t araw na pumapasok kayo ay may hinaharap na kayong peligro. Kaya’t higit kanino man, you deserve to be taken care of by the people of this city, through your local government.
All in all, we have released a total of more than P136 million to the members of Manila’s Finest from 2013, the year when I assumed office, up to December 2015.”
He also noted, “Last year, dinagdagan din natin ang inyong mga gamit upang matulungan kayong gampanan ang inyong mga tungkulin. Bukod sa 110 electric personal transporters, an additional 15 patrol cars were purchased with the use of Pagcor funds while 14 more were purchased for the MPD by the city government of Manila. These vehicles are in addition to the 12 patrol cars previously donated by our friends from the Filipino-Chinese community, represented by four of its biggest business organizations.
“Gayundin, tapos na angrenovation ng inyong MPD headquarters. Ito’y pinaglaanan ng halagang P20 million upang mabigyan ng bagong anyo ang inyong tanggapan. We want to create a working environment that encourages hard work and dedication.
All in all, about P150 million was invested in 2015 to ensure that the MPD has all that it needs to do its job.”
Estrada, in conclusion, said “I especially commend our District Director, Gen. Rolando Nana, for doing an outstanding job in leading the MPD. I call on all of you to continue to support him. To all the dedicated and hard-working men and women of Manila’s Finest: I extend my warmest greetings on your 115th anniversary. Let us show all Manilenos, and our entire country, that here in our city, we share one battlecry: Manila, Forward Ever, Backward Never!”
Meanwhile, the top awardee for the best MPD police station of the year was given to Station-4 of  Sampaloc under Supt. Mannan Muarip.
In an interview Muarip said  being chosen as the best MPD Station of the Year was a product of diligent work in ensuring peace and order to the city’s very important district sites of major schools and universities and part of downtown Manila and Malacanang Palace and efficient officers and men of the station.
“We are happy to be chosen as the Best Police Station among the 11 other police stations and this is the product of a good placed police officers who contributed in maintaining peace and order and added new innovation in the approach in our work, and on behalf of my men I would like to thank Mayor Estrada for the much logistical support he poured in to make our job much easier and efficient” Muarip said.

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | Jan. 25, 2016

Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday said his predecessor’s neglect of the police and of the overall peace and order situation in Manila spawned a new generation of criminals that terrorized the city in the past years.

He said: “It had become ‘more fun’ here: More Kidna-fun, Holda-fun at Carna-fun.”
He said the Department of Tourism’s slogan to attract foreign tourists is “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”
“But in Manila,” he lamented, “increased crimes, especially kidnapping, holdup and carnapping during the past administration sowed fear and misery among the residents and turned away businesses and visitors. Manila even overtook Quezon City as the carnap capital.”
Estrada said the police were not effective in fighting crimes then because they lacked equipment and their morale was low due to the administration’s inattention to them. Worse, he said, there emerged then a new generation of criminals which included policemen. He said “in those years, some members of the city’s police were reportedly involved in kidnapping, extortion and other illegal activities.”
He added the lack of support from the previous city government could have been part of the reason  some policemen got involved in crimes.
Estrada insisted “there would be no economic growth without peace and order. Giving the policemen their due wages and allowances would encourage them to perform better.”
Nung panahon ni (ex-mayor Alfredo) Lim, walang suporta sa kapulisan…hindi rin binibigay ang allowance ng mga pulis, kaya mababa ang morale nila. Nuong panahon ni Lim yun. Pero ngayon, talagang sinusuportahan ko nang todo ang kapulisan ng Maynila. Lahat ay bago… 54 patrol cars…Segway transporters…at may allowance na sila. P136 million ang naibayad ko na may lump sum pa. Bankrupt noon ang city government, iniwan ni Lim ‘yan…napakaraming utang, Estrada said.
During the Manila Police District’s 115th anniversary celebration last Jan. 20, Estrada noted that his administration had poured in at least P136 million for the allowance and other financial needs of the city’s police as well as some P150 million for their equipment.
MPD Public Information Office (PIO) chief Supt. Marissa Bruno said sa panahon po ni Mayor Estrada, marami tayong natanggap na suporta in terms of patrol cars at iba pang mga kagamitan. Yung mga patrol cars ay mga bagong Nissan Almera at Toyota Vios. Meron ding 110 electric transporters or Segway. At meron din pong allowance…computed po ito sa halagang P2,500 monthly…bigay po ito ng city government. Malaking tulong po ang mga ito.
She added, Yung ipinapakitang pagmamalasakit ni Mayor Estrada, malaking boost ito sa morale ng ating kapulisan dahil nararamdaman nilang hindi sila napapabayaan… at nararamdaman nila yung malasakit. Masasabi natin na dahil dito ay naging mas pursigido at mas epektibo ang kapulisan sa pagsugpo ng krimen. At si Mayor Estrada mismo ay mabilis ding nagpapakilos ng mga pulis sa pagresponde. Tumaas na rin ang confidence ng publiko sa kapulisan ng Maynila. Generally ay naging pababa ang trend ng krimen.
Among the most recent major accomplishments of the MPD in close coordination with Estrada were the neutralization of big-time criminal groups such as the Burdado Carnap Group, Balweg/Navarro Drug Group, Sanaya Drug Syndicate, Dominguez Robbery Group, Magbutay Robbery Group, Burgos Robbery Group, Macalanda Robbery Group, Toper Group and Guiroy Robbery Group; arrest of 95 Most Wanted Persons involved in robbery, theft and carnapping, as well as of 3,765 drug pushers and users and of those who were wanted for murder, and the arrest of policemen involved in crimes.

Their Royal Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (2nd & 3rd from left) of Japan are the special guests at a wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Shrine in Luneta, accompanied by President Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada (extreme left). Emperor Akihito, often referred to as the Pilgrim of Peace, and his wife are in the country for a 5-day state visit. (Photo by Joel Santos)

The Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) marked its 139th anniversary last night with a celebratory dinner attended by President Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada who also delivered a brief speech at which he thanked the association’s members for their generous support for his initiatives,specially those relating to maintaining peace and order. Also in attendance at the event were His Excellency Ambassador Xhao Jianhua of China, taipan Lucio Tan, and other distinguished members of the Filipino Chinese community. (Photos by Joel Santos)

Pinangunahan kamakailan ni Pangulong Mayor Joseph Estrada ang birthday gift giving (November & December) para sa mga senior citizens ng Zones 10, 11 at 12, at masaya pang nakipag “selfie” sa kanila sa nasabing okasyon na ginanap sa Tondo Sports Complex. (Mga larawan mula kay Joel Santos)

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | February 1, 2016

Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday said the improved flow of people, vehicles and goods within the busy Chinatown district has significantly improved the commercial activities in historic Binondo, known as the country’s oldest economic hub.
“As I always say, traffic flow must be improved to enable trade and commerce to flourish in the historic business hub that is Binondo,” the mayor said as he reiterated his commitment to reinvigorate and restore this district back to its former glory through several measures, one of which is addressing the  gridlock that has beset this area in the past years.
“I have always been very vocal about my desire to restore Manila to its former glory and Manila would not be what it is today without the economic, historic and cultural contributions of Binondo and its outlying areas which we all affectionately refer to as Chinatown. I have not changed my priorities in this regard. Binondo’s redevelopment will continue to be a flagship program of my administration,” Estrada added.
The mayor has tasked the Manila Police District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MPD-TEU), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) and the Manila Barangay Bureau (MBB) to closely coordinate among themselves and ensure the effective management of traffic in the area.
MPD-TEU head, Chief Insp. Olivia Sagaysay, said sa totoo lang po, traffic situation under Mayor Estrada is much, much better than before. Like in last December, maluwag nang nakakapasok ang mga tao at motorists sa Binondo area. I’ve been an Operation Officer of Binondo as early as year 2004. Noon, naglalakad na lang kami sa mga kalye dito… dahil talagang hindi nakakapasok ang sasakyan. Now, kahit 11 ng umaga ay tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng mga kotse. It’s much better sa time natin ngayon as compared to the time of former Mayor Lim.
She added, Pangunahin po na mga inasikaso namin ay yung mga nagiging obstructions dati, like illegal parking, illegal sidewalk vendors…at basta lahat ng mga nakakasagabal sa daloy ng trapiko na puwede naman kasing maisaayos.
“Also, Binondo is always busy. Tuwing holiday ay sobrang busy dito, pero araw-araw ay busy po ito. At napakaraming mga turista na dumadayo dito araw-araw,” she also said.
MBB head Ver Eustaquio said they have been closely coordinating with the MPD-TEU and MTPB to maintain the flow of traffic in the area.
Mayroon kaming mga sampung naka-Segway (Transporters) sa Binondo na tumutulong sa pag-asikaso ng trapik. Pero foot patrol pa rin talaga ang susi dyan. Kailangan talaga ang pag-function sa antas ng barangay para maging effective, kailangan talaga ang pag-synergize eh.
Eustaquio added, Nagawa na natin yan. Ilang taon na hindi nadadaanan ang maraming kalye sa Binondo, pero ngayon ay nadadaanan na. Kailangan na lang ma-maintain at kung mayroon pang puwedeng magawang improvement ay gagawin din natin.
Binondo, now with over 400 years of history behind it, is the oldest Chinatown in the world. Over the years, this district has been the heart of the Filipino-Chinese community. The area has become a vibrant center of Manila’s trade and commerce and also tourism.

Natanggap kahapon ng may 251 vendors ng Divisoria/Tondo ang nakalaang tulong para sa kanila sa ilalim ng pinalawig na Capital Assistance Program ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila. Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada ang pamamahagi ng nasabing tulong, kasama ang OIC ng MSWD na si Dr. Arnold Pangan. (Mga larawan mula kay Joel Santos)

Nagdaos ng isang presscon ang lungsod ng Maynila para sa kakaiba nilang paligsahan, ang “Tinig ng Maynila.” Sa kanyang maikling pagpapa-kilala sa proyekto sa harap ng media, iginiit ni Pangulong Mayor Joseph Estrada (nakaupo, ikatlo mula kaliwa) na ito’y hindi lamang isang ordinaryong paligsahan sa pag-awit, dahil sa bawa’t audition na ginaganap ay may pagkakataon ang lahat ng Manilenyo na ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin ukol sa mga isyung pang-lungsod. Sa larawan sa taas, kasama ni Mayor ang iba pang mga naging punong-abala sa paligsahan (mula kaliwa): City Engr. Roberto Bernardo, CGSO OIC Fritz Yenko, Ms. Jackie Ejercito-Lopez, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Edward Serapio . Sa larawan naman sa ibaba, pinaunlakan ni Mayor ang hiling ng 12 contestants para sa isang group shot.? (Mga larawan mula kay Joel Santos)

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | February 4, 2016

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada personally accompanied policemen in an early morning drug raid yesterday in Malate area as he highlighted city hall’s continuous aggressive Anti-Drug program.
Estrada said, “I am saddened and alarmed by the spread of the influence of drugs in Metro Manila. Sadly, Manila has not been spared from the drug menace that has penetrated 92 percent of all barangays in Metro Manila.”
The mayor, since Day One of his administration, has declared illegal drugs as one primary enemy of the city. He has since waged an all-out war against illegal drugs to especially protect the youth and other vulnerable sectors and individuals from this scourge.
As per information from the Manila Police District (MPD), “…on Feb. 3, 2016 at about 1:50 a.m., combined teams from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters and from the Manila Police District (MPD) conducted Oplan Sibat implementing three search warrants…on Adriatico Street, Malate which led to the discovery of three suspected drug dens, seizure of one piece of caliber .38 revolver loaded with five live ammunitions, 109 pieces of sealed sachets of suspected ‘shabu’ totaling to more or less 25 grams and with an estimated street market value of P100,000, drug paraphernalia and one unit taxi.”
The operation resulted in the arrest of nine persons, and the authorities noted that it was done in orderly and peaceful manner.
The MPD said the main reason for the search warrants is loose firearms but the actual subject is illegal drugs.
The target personalities are also into gunrunning and in renting out guns to individuals engaged in illegal activities, the police added.
Estrada said, “Based on information provided to me, all three targets of the search warrants are the sources of illegal drugs in the area. Most of their clients are taxi drivers, residents of the urban poor area, and workers and customers of nightclubs in Malate area.”
“That’s why I am prioritizing programs and projects all over the city so that Manila’s residents will not experiment with illegal drugs. I am appealing to all of you to stay out of drugs because this illegal substance will not bring you any good,” Estrada stressed.

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | February 5, 2016

As the World Health Organization (WHO) alerted all nations on the Zika virus which poses a public health emergency, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday ordered the six city-run public hospitals and the Manila Health Department (MHD) to prepare and be equipped for any possible Zika-related situation that might affect Manileños.

“My directive to all the officials and personnel of our city hospitals, health centers and other concerned facilities is to always be prepared for any eventuality and always ensure the provision of free, prompt and complete health and medical services to all Manileños,” Estrada said.

Dr. Regina Bagsic, overall coordinator for Manila’s hospitals, said they are making all the necessary preparations for any possibility of a Zika case. “Ang Zika virus kasi ay mosquito-borne, same as dengue. Ang main concern natin ngayon is that the mosquito is here and whether it contains the virus or not, we do not know. What we can and must do now is prevention talaga. But we are prepared for dengue. Same lang naman yung symptoms nila,” Bagsic explained.

She said they are in strict compliance and close coordination with the Department of Health (DoH) and that they are now in the process of sending out information bulletins to the different city hospitals to raise awareness on Zika.

For his part, Dr. Benjamin Yson, head of MHD which is primarily overseeing the operation of the city’s 59 health centers, said, “Mayor Estrada reiterated to us that we should be prepared for any eventuality just in case na may makalusot… particularly sa monitoring ng national o sa DoH.”

The DoH said the Philippines still remains free of Zika virus as there were no registered cases but the MHD is above the preparations.

“We have precautionary measures like fumigation. We want to make sure na malinis ang communities natin para walang pagbahayan ang lamok na nagdadala ng Zika at dengue virus dahil iisang klase ng mosquito lang naman ang carrier,” Dr. Yson added.

“Self-protection is really the key. Iwasan iyong maiikling damit and mag-apply ng mosquito repellant. We are ensuring the public that we are doing everything we can,” Yson added.

Bagsic said, “The thing with Zika virus is that it is benign. The symptoms are manageable and we have enough facilities and medicines for that, and these are free for Manila citizens.”

She added “the Manila city government is always beefing up its preparations for any health outbreak. Rest assured not only the DoH is monitoring the Zika virus. The city government led by Mayor Estrada is exerting all efforts to assist the citizens with our free, prompt and complete health and medical services.”

Former President Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada presides over simple street lighting ceremonies at West Zamora (Canonigo St. to Pres. Quirino Avenue) early last night, as part of the local government’s objective to illuminate 100% of Manila’s major streets and even alleyways and create a safe environment for its citizens. (Photo by Joel Santos)

The Daily Tribune | Written by Pat C. Santos | Feb. 9, 2016

Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada led the countdown which ushered in the Chinese New Year with grand festivities held beside the iconic Manila-Chinatown Gateway Arch on Jones Bridge corner Escolta Street.
The celebration opened with lively musical presentations by invited performers, and was capped by a fireworks display in the final minutes welcoming the “Year of the Fire Monkey.” Also among the features in the celebration were the “Tikoy Cutting” and “Dragon Dance.” Estrada graced the event and delivered a meaningful message.
Estrada said, “For the third straight year, we are using the occasion of the Chinese New Year to celebrate our unity and solidarity. It remains a great source of pride and pleasure to remember the very first solidarity dinner that we had in 2014, because it was the very first such event jointly celebrated by the local government of Manila, and the entire Filipino Chinese community. That event sealed our unity and set the tone for these past two years of joint initiatives, continuing dialog, cooperation and a shared commitment to reclaim and restore Manila’s old glory.”
“… The destinies of Manila and Binondo Chinatown, the oldest such community in the world, are intertwined. As a bastion of commerce and industry, Binondo’s contribution to Manila’s development over the course of many centuries cannot be denied. Simply put, the benefits of Binondo’s increased development go far beyond our generation. If we work together for its renewal as a business and tourism hub, then future generations of Manileños will inherit a prosperous and peaceful city that they can be proud of,” he added.
The actor-turned politician thanked the Manila Chinatown Development Council for its big contributions to his administration as well as in developing the Chinatown.
“Special thanks, of course, to our Honorable Councilor Bernie Ang, who as vice chairman of the council is working constantly to unite us for our common goals, foremost of which is to create even more opportunities for growth that will benefit all Manileños,” Estrada said.
Estrada also expressed his gratitude to the four big Filipino Chinese organizations in the country, namely, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. led by Dr. Alfonso Siy; Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association Inc. headed by Dr. James Dy; Philippine-Chinese Business Club led by Cristino Lim; and, Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of Joey Go.
“You have all been very generous in sharing your valuable time and resources with our city. I assure you that you have been of great help in bringing Manila back on the road to progress and prosperity. Umaasa akong patuloy ninyong susuportahan ang aking administrasyon sa pangarap nitong bigyan ng bagong sigla ang Maynila,” Estrada said.

Former President Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, together with several councilors of the City of Manila, representatives of the Filipino-Chinese community including business and socio-civic organizations, gathered last night at the foot of the giant Chinatown Arch for a happy and cheerful Solidarity Dinner as they ushered in the Year of the Fire Monkey. After giving a brief address, His Honor gamely took part in cutting through a giant tikoy and later, in turning on the switch signalling the start of the brilliant fireworks

‘Di akalain ng negosyanteng si Karen Mae Tan, may-ari ng Epitome Flower Shop sa Binondo na ngayon ang araw na malalaglag na siya sa kamay ng batas, matapos ang matagumpay na buy bust operation na isinagawa ng mga operatiba ng NCR-CIDG at RID-NCRPO kung saan nakumpiska ang may tatlong kilong shabu sa loob ng tindahan niya. “Job well done” ang sambit ni Pang. Mayor Joseph Estrada kay P/Sr. Supt. Roland O. Lee ng NCR-CIDG, na nanguna sa operasyon kaninang hapon. (Larawan mula kay Joel Santos)

Former President Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada was the special guest and keynote speaker at the Seminar-Lakbay Aral for Manila’s barangay chairmen and kagawads held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. In his speech, His Honor expressed his hopes that the visit to the region would give them all new insights on how best to serve their constituents. The event also drew other distinguished attendees, including Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Rep. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos. (Photos by Joel Santos)

By Jose Rodel Clapano  (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 12, 2016 – 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to revive Manila as the country’s premier city, Mayor Joseph Estrada has intensified his P100-million park rehabilitation program that would develop and restore historical sites and landmarks in the area.

Estrada ordered Manila Parks and Development Office chief Arsenic Lacson to rehabilitate and improve these sites including the monuments.

He said a majority of Manila’s historical sites are deteriorating due to neglect by past administrations.

“Let us work to bring back the old splendor of Manila by restoring these famous landmarks. We owe it to our ancestors and to the future generations to rebuild and restore these sites,” Estrada said.

Once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the city has 48 parks and monuments, which were part of the old Manila’s pre-war and colonial architecture.

A number of these have been converted into children’s playgrounds.

“From the moment I assumed office, I ordered a major sprucing up of our parks, monuments, other public places including playgrounds,” Estrada said.

Lacson said Estrada started the restoration efforts in 2013 by providing the needed funds.

He said among the parks repaired were Plaza Rueda and the Bonifacio Shrine on Taft Avenue, Plaza Hernandez in Tondo, Plaza De Virgen in Pandacan, Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, and Plaza Guerrero located across the US embassy.

“Before Mayor Estrada, all that were done were mere band-aid solutions, such as continuous cleanup, but no new infrastructure was constructed. The office didn’t have enough funds back then,” Lacson said.

He said former mayor Alfredo Lim neglected the landmarks, depriving city residents of promenade areas.

He said they have been seeking the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to address the needs of street dwellers who have made the parks and plazas their homes.

“We have asked the Manila Police District to secure these sites,” Lacson said.

Written By Latty Faraon | Feb. 14, 2016

Let us work to bring back the old splendor of Manila by restoring these famous landmarks. We owe it to our ancestors and to the future generations to rebuild and restore these sites,” so ordered by President Mayor Joseph Estrada to the Manila Parks and Development Office and in fact to all Manileños.
The mayor is referring to the historical and cultural landmarks, parks, monuments among others that have been neglected miserably by the past administration and is in deteriorating state.
Part of the historical legacy of Manila to the Philippines and to its citizens and even to the world is the historically and culturally laden monuments and symbols of the people’s religiosity that spans from the moment the Spanish conquistadores landed on our shores.
We mean, for instances many of the historical churches and sites.
San Agustin Church in Intramuros is the oldest stone church completed in1607. Significant historical events happening here speak of its religious legacy, for instance the First Church Council and National Synod in 1578 and even the drafting of the conditions of surrender by Spain to the Americans in 1896.
In Manila lies the central Catholic Church, the burial places of the past archbishops and embedded also in the history of earthquakes and fires notwithstanding, namely the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or Manila Cathedral.
Not far from the two towering religious monuments in Intramuros is the San Sebastian Church, the “steel church” built in gothic style and rumored to be the design of Alexander Gustave Eiffel, the architect builder of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The church was declared a national heritage by the The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2006.
Nearby is the Malate Church that houses the core of the Manileño’s Marian devotion, Our Lady of Remedies or Remedios. On the parallel street is another miraculous image of the Nuestra Señora de Guia in Ermita.
The two great devotions articulated by mammoth Catholic presence are both in Manila: The Shrine of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo and the Basilica Minore of the Señor Santo Niño in Tondo. The walls of these churches not only speak of its antiquity, but also of the heritage of a people whose faith and God are so real, so effective for their hopes to hinge on.
San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint and martyr is the city’s pride for his roots are in Binondo, where an imposing church in his honor was dedicated amid the presence of the Chinese faithful in the area. The original chuch was built in 1596 by the Dominicans and is now Basilica Minore dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz.
Along the streets of Espana, most of which are named after famous friars, stands with pride the oldest university in Asia, the University of Sto. Tomas founded in 1611. The pontifical university branded itself as a heritage and legacy of the finest Catholic education not only in Manila but in the whole country and the world.
Even the waters of Manila bay rushes with history and legacy of the Filipino’s indomitable spirit when they stood on the shores of the bay and prayed rosary as the combined forces of the Spanish and Filipino soldiers engaged the superior Dutch naval ships, threatening our freedom and faith and shooed them away in humiliating defeat. The event is now remembered in history as the Battle of La Naval de Manila, commemorated annually in a mega-procession of Our Lady of the Rosary of the La Naval de Manila in October.
There are many reasons Mayor Estrada desires to keep the torch of Manila’s historical and cultural legacy burning. It is not only to highlight Manila’s centrality as the harbinger of cultural heritage, but also to continue the character and soul of Manila as the indeed the “El Ciudad de Dios”— the city of God.

Written By Jose Rodel Clapano (The Philippine Star) | Feb. 15, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the six city-run hospitals to be on alert for the Zika and dengue viruses.

Estrada allocated an additional P60 million in funding to boost the capability response of the city hospitals against Zika, dengue and other diseases.

“We have to ensure the safety of Manileños. Hospitals and health centers in the city should always be prepared for any health emergency,” he said.

The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern.

Estrada’s order came after China confirmed its first case of Zika last week.

The mosquito-borne disease has been linked to severe birth defects, mostly in Latin America.

The Department of Health reported that 200,415 dengue cases were recorded in the Philippines last year, with 25,208 of the cases coming from the National Capital Region.

Dr. Regina Bagsic, overall coordinator of the six government hospitals in the city, said Estrada increased the hospitals’ budget by P100 million last year.

Bagsic said the budget was used for the renovation of the hospitals and acquisition of hospital equipment.

“Unlike in the past, we don’t refer the patients to other hospitals for laboratory tests and other medical services,” she said.