The city government of Manila recognized 18 barangay chairpersons who displayed outstanding efforts in governing their jurisdictions amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan gave the 2021 Outstanding Punong Barangays Award during the flag-raising ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan monument near the City Hall on Monday.

“Noong nakaraang linggo ay ginanap ang Araw ng Maynila at isa sa mga sektor na binigyan ng pagkilala ay ang barangay, kaya ngayong araw na ito ay bibigyan natin ng pagkilala ang labingwalong punong barangay (Last week, we celebrated Manila Day and one of the sectors were recognized was the barangay, so on this day we fete 18 chairpersons),” Domagoso said in his speech.

He said that the 18 chiefs ensured the strict implementation of health and safety protocols against Covid-19, thus helping the city government.

Domagoso said people have no one to turn to except the government in these trying times.

“Ang barangay ay malaking factor ng tagumpay ng isang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagsagupa, labanan, at mapagtagumpayan natin ang laban sa (The barangay is a big factor in the success of the local government in the fight against) Covid-19,” Domagoso said.

He reminded all public officials, whether elected or appointed, to focus on their obligations. That is the delivery of public service at all times.

Moreover, he advised them to always consider their safety since the city government will not be able to do its tasks alone.

“Kaya kayo naririto na kapwa ko kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod, mag-iingat kayo. Hindi ko to kayang mag-isa, kailangan ko kayo, kailangan ko ang bawat isa sa inyo na tumungo sa direksyon ng (All of you here today, please take care of yourselves. I need each one of you to make public service as your goal). The reason of our existence, in government service, is public service,” Domagoso said, likewise thanking watchmen and other village officials. (PNA)