Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso submitted a P2.3-billion conceptual design to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday to convert the Intramuros Golf Course into a public forest park.
Domagoso hand-delivered the proposal to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto during a meeting at Malacañang. The project, titled the Intramuros Forest Park, is envisioned as a “legacy project” aimed at increasing open green space and improving the quality of life for residents in the nation’s capital.
The design, developed with support from the Asian Development Bank and the engineering firm Arup, outlines a massive redevelopment of the historic site.
Key features include a Riverfront Promenade along the Pasig River, an outdoor theater, children’s playgrounds, and a “Campus Garden” zone for civic and family activities. The plan also integrates a sports area and an urban park with specialized viewpoints and parking.
“I respectfully submit this follow-through for your consideration,” Domagoso wrote in his letter to the president, noting that the project had been previously discussed during meetings in late 2025.
In addition to the park proposal, Domagoso announced the release of P66.8 million in clothing allowances for 9,000 city government employees during a flag-raising ceremony Monday at Manila City Hall.
The mayor said 8,543 regular employees will each receive P7,000 in cash rather than physical uniforms, a move intended to give staff more financial flexibility.
“I decided it was better to give the P7,000 in cash so you have something to draw from this week,” Domagoso said.
The mayor also addressed the distribution of backpay for 1,063 employees who missed their clothing allowances between 2021 and 2025. The remaining payrolls for these benefits are scheduled for release between 24 and 27 February.
Addressing concerns from contract-of-service and job-order personnel at the Manila Health Department and city-run hospitals, Domagoso assured staff that delayed January salaries would be paid within the week.
He explained that the delay was due to an administrative shift in funding sources, moving salary payments from the General Fund to the Special Health Fund.
“Rest assured, you will have your salaries this week,” the mayor said, clarifying that the delay was strictly due to paperwork regarding the new “fiscal maneuvering.” The payroll update covers personnel at all major city hospitals, including Ospital ng Maynila and the President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital.