The city government of Manila has scaled up efforts to boost the local economy while helping couples celebrate the love month through the ‘MayniLOVE’ campaign.

“Sa mga mag-irog, ito available sa inyo ang Mehan simula ngayong gabi hanggang Feb. 15 (For couples, Mehan Garden is available for you from tonight until Feb. 15), said Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso during its launch in Mehan Garden on Monday.

Domagoso said the love month may be celebrated at a minimal cost or even for free.

There is no entrance fee to the Mehan Garden, Domagoso said, while live bands can perform and stalls are allowed to sell food products, chocolates, flowers and shirts.

The ‘MayniLOVE’ campaign is another initiative of the Manila Bureau of Permits under the program ‘Buy local, eat local’ of the city.

Manila Bureau of Permits director Levi Facundo said over 200 local jobs were generated through the initiative, which is open to the public from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

Facundo said Domagoso ordered the strict implementation of public health protocols and the monitoring of the flow of people inside the venue.

He added that marshals are also deployed to make sure health protocols are observed.

Domagoso, during the launch, said the city government will continue to help businesses affected by the coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We’re trying to do our best, we’re trying to act as if it is normal because we really need to learn how to live with Covid-19 and learn how to go back to work safely,” Domagoso said.

He added that he understands the difficult situation many small business owners face amid the pandemic.

He said the situation may be difficult at the moment because of the fear for Covid-19, but added that this should not stop everyone from earning a living for their family. (PNA)