Manila marks 454th founding anniversary

Manila marked its 454th founding anniversary, dubbed “Araw ng Maynila,” on Tuesday with Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo leading the city’s celebrations.

“For 454 years, the City of Manila remains a home of resilience, history and unity for its citizens. Let’s celebrate the anniversary of our beloved City of Manila together,” Lacuna stated in her message to residents and workers.

Lacuna and Servo commemorated the occasion by leading a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Rajah Sulayman, Manila’s first hero, in Malate.

They were joined by representatives from the Philippine Navy, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, barangay officials and city employees from various departments, including Public Services, Engineering and Public Works, Parks Development and Tourism, Culture and Arts.

Prior to the main celebration, the city government honored individuals and businesses for their contributions to Manila’s progress.

Earlier, the local government led the “Gawad Manileño 2025” awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions to the city’s growth, pride and honor.

“We value and honor the various individuals and organizations who have shown excellence and skill in their fields and served as good examples and inspiration to our countrymen. They are what we consider to be Model Manileños,” Lacuna said of this year’s awardees.

Among those recognized as Outstanding Taxpayers were International Container Terminal Services Inc., Mercury Drug Corporation, Asian Terminals Inc., China Harbour Engineering Co., Manila North Harbour Port Inc., Puregold Price Club Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Philippine Seven Corporation Group and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Also honored was the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc., represented by its board chairman Antonio Tan, alongside Chinese General Hospital’s president and CEO Kelly Sia, vice president Juanito Ang, Associate Medical director for Charities and Missions and Eye Center head Dr. George Go Jr. and Medical director Dr. Samuel Ang.

Outstanding Real Property Taxpayers included Asian Terminal, Inc., Manila North Harbour Port Inc., International Container Terminal Services Inc., Megaworld Corporation, SM Prime Holdings Inc., Robinsons Group of Companies, Petron Corporation, San Lazaro Holdings Corporation, SM Synergy Properties, Holding Corp., Philippine Foremost Milling Corp., La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation and San Miguel Group Of Companies.