Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna held the inaugural session of "Usapang Maynila" this week with Vice Mayor Yul Servo in a town hall meeting with their constituents at the covered court of Barangay 378.
In the audience were senior citizens, local transport leaders, barangay and youth officials.

Joining the mayor and vice mayor were Councilors Jong Isip, Apple Nieto, Fa Fugoso, Maile Atienza, Terrence Alibarbar and Tol Zarcal.

Concerns about the different services provided by the local government of Manila were discussed during the meeting, including the provision of senior citizens' allowances thrice a year or every four months.

Lacuna said that with the onset of the Christmas season, she is thinking of enacting an ordinance giving the seniors in Manila a free pass to enter Manila Zoo.

The Christmas lantern contest will be launched by Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila Director Charlie Dungo, she said.

Under the contest, each district will be adorned with a unified Christmas lantern or parol design to distinguish it from others. The event will be capped by a Christmas Tree Lighting event on 15 November at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.

Lacuna said "Usapang Maynila" will be conducted per zone on a regular basis. This, she said, is to ensure that common concerns are heard and addressed accordingly.