Muntinlupa City’s 107th Founding Anniversary was more than just a milestone; it was a tribute to the people who embody the true heart of the city — residents whose honesty, courage, and compassion define what it means to be a Muntinlupeño.

In his speech, Mayor Ruffy Biazon reflected on the remarkable acts of integrity and service shown by ordinary residents throughout the year. “In today’s world, where it’s easy to be indifferent, seeing these acts of honesty fills us with pride and hope,” he said. His words resonated deeply as he recounted inspiring stories of Muntinlupeños whose small but meaningful actions uplifted the entire community.

Acts of Honesty that Inspire

One of the most moving highlights came from tricycle driver Romeo Boso and his wife Aida, who found a cellphone with ₱P1,000 at Alabang Junction. Despite personal financial challenges, they surrendered the phone and cash to the Office of the Mayor, ensuring its return to its rightful owner. This was not the first time they had done so — previously, they also returned another lost cellphone left in Romeo’s tricycle.

Similarly, high school student Gian Ong from Tunasan National High School found a wallet containing IDs, a GCash card, and cash while walking home from school. Without hesitation, he turned it in at the Mayor’s Office. Meanwhile, 65-year-old resident Renato Corpuz discovered a phone left unattended at Bayanan Baywalk. After waiting for the owner for 30 minutes, he brought it to City Hall with the help of his daughter-in-law.

Mayor Biazon shared, “In Muntinlupa, doing the right thing isn’t extraordinary — it’s second nature.”

Recognizing Heroes in Service

Beyond stories of individual honesty, the city also honored its most dedicated government employees. Topping the list of Outstanding City Government Employees for 2024 was Alicia Tanabe from the City Health Office, nationally recognized as an Outstanding Nutrition Scholar by the National Nutrition Commission for her tireless work in advancing health and nutrition programs.

Joining her were Sarah Jean Cummings from the Business Permits and Licensing Office and Michael Arriel Enriquez from the Office of the City Mayor. Their collective commitment exemplifies public service done with integrity, hard work, and heart.

But the celebration of service didn’t stop there. During typhoon “Carina,” Muntinlupa’s Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Team braved dangerous floodwaters in Malabon City, rescuing 86 people, including 11 infants. Despite strong currents and life-threatening conditions, they completed their mission, showing how far Muntinlupeños are willing to go to help others, even beyond city borders.

Mayor Biazon also extended gratitude to the city’s uniformed personnel, emergency responders and community volunteers for their continued service during disasters and emergencies. “You are the unsung heroes who serve not for recognition but because you care for the community,” he shared.

Achievements Built on Integrity

The spirit of service has earned Muntinlupa numerous national and local recognitions. For the third consecutive year, the city was awarded the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), reaffirming its excellence in disaster preparedness, fiscal management, environmental protection and social services.

The city also placed Top 4 in the Most Competitive Cities index nationwide, securing the Top Spot in Innovation, Second in Resiliency, and Third in Infrastructure. Its recognition as Top 6 in Government Efficiency highlighted its commitment to effective public service.

Additionally, the city’s Electronic Business One-Stop Shop earned recognition from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) for improving business transactions and ease of doing business. Muntinlupa also ranked among the Top 10 Best Performing Cities in Local Revenue Collection, thanks to efficient fiscal management and the support of responsible taxpayers.

In health and social welfare, Muntinlupa excelled with a 100 percent Functionality Rating for its Local Council for the Protection of Children, earning the Child-Friendly Local Governance Award. The city also received the Green Banner Award for nutrition programs and was named a contender for the CROWN Maintenance Award for sustained health program implementation.

“Our awards are not just symbols of success but a testament to the hard work, dedication and shared responsibility of every city employee and resident,” Mayor Biazon proudly noted.

New Initiatives for a Brighter Future

The city’s anniversary celebration also marked the launch of several forward-looking projects aimed at creating a safer, smarter, and more inclusive Muntinlupa:

• MUNConnect Free Public Wi-Fi: Acknowledging internet access as a modern necessity, Muntinlupa launched free Wi-Fi across key areas to bridge the digital divide. The initiative supports students, entrepreneurs and families by providing reliable online connectivity.

• PNP Command Center and iRespond App: The newly inaugurated PNP Command Center is set to become fully operational in 2025, equipped with modern surveillance and response tools to enhance public safety. Complementing this is the iRespond Mobile App, allowing residents to report emergencies at the touch of a button.

• Tunasan Skate Park: In response to the youth’s growing interest in skateboarding, the city opened a dedicated skate park in Tunasan. Mayor Biazon emphasized that “sports is an investment in our children’s future” and committed to expanding sports and youth development programs.

The city also introduced a Health and Management Information System that will digitize patient records across health centers, ensuring faster and more efficient healthcare services for residents.

A Legacy of Integrity and Compassion

As the celebration drew to a close, Mayor Biazon reflected on what truly makes Muntinlupa thrive: its people. “Our progress isn’t measured by how many buildings we’ve built or how many awards we’ve received,” he said. “It’s measured by the hearts of our people — honest, compassionate and driven by a sense of community.”

For 107 years, Muntinlupa has built a legacy rooted in compassion, service, and shared success. Its people — ordinary citizens with extraordinary hearts — are the city’s greatest achievement and its brightest hope for the future.