Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna declared that the City of Manila is “already greater than it has ever been” as she outlined her administration’s goals for 2025.

“The Manila of decades ago, before and during the pandemic, is history we respect and honor. But the Manila of today is the reality we face and measure against the records of the past,” Lacuna said during a meeting with department heads.

“Today, we move forward. We do not relive or romanticize the past. We build upon the past and build anew where needed,” she added.

Lacuna said the city’s medium-term goal is to become the most progressive among all Philippine cities.

“In 2025, we add building blocks to the Manila that is a continuing work in progress,” the lady mayor said. “Today, the greatness of Manila is measured by metrics of good governance and competitiveness.”

Lacuna highlighted the city’s 2023 accomplishments, including receiving its first Seal of Good Local Governance award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.