Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday, February 3, led the groundbreaking of the new San Nicolas Health Center, framing the project as an example of how leadership requires clear timelines when issuing directives.
In his remarks during the ceremony, the Mayor noted that the project stemmed from his personal inspection of the old San Nicolas Health Center, which he found to be in poor condition.
Domagoso said the state of the facility prompted him to immediately order a technical assessment rather than rely on secondhand reports.
“Pag-alis na pag-alis ko, sabi ko kay Andres, ‘Bisitahin niyo na ‘yun. Padala mo ‘yung inhinyero. Tingnan ninyo anong magagawa natin, then you come up with the report within 48 hours,’” the Mayor said.
He recalled that initial recommendations focused on minor fixes, such as repairing gutters and addressing mold, but said he rejected these proposals as inadequate. Moreno said leadership meant going beyond temporary solutions.
“Eh ‘di Band-Aid ‘yung gagawin natin?” the Mayor said, recounting his response to the proposal. He then instructed City Engineer Armand Andres to focus on the design and long-term condition of the facility rather than budget constraints.
Domagoso stressed that the goal was to create a proper environment for public health workers.
“Huwag mo intindihin ‘yung pera, intindihin mo ‘yung drawing,” he said. “Tingnan mo kung paano magiging maayos ang lugar na kung saan ang kapwa natin naglilingkod sa bayan, lalo na sa pangkalusugan.”
The Mayor said funding for the project became possible after the city identified available funds, which were then allocated to the San Nicolas Health Center upon his instruction. He credited City Treasurer Paul Vega for facilitating the process.
“Nakita natin ‘yung mga ilang nakatagong pera ng lungsod na nagkaroon ng interes at nakuha natin ulit,” Domagoso said. “Sabi ko (kay City Treasurer), ilaan mo sa San Nicolas Health Center.”
The ceremony marked the start of a full redevelopment of the health facility serving residents of San Nicolas and nearby communities in Manila’s third district.
The new health center will include a reception area, consultation room, minor surgery room, pharmacy, medical technology room, and dental office, based on the approved design presented during the event.
Domagoso said the facility is intended to improve both patient care and the working conditions of healthcare personnel assigned to the center.
The Mayor also stressed that his directives are paired with deadlines to ensure implementation. He added that even in the absence of immediate resources, city officials are expected to find lawful ways to deliver needed services.
“Wala tayong pera. Kaya lang, pinalaki ako ng nanay ko na marunong magpiga ng bimpo,” he said. “Hanggat may mapipiga sa ikabubuti ninyo.”
The Mayor also said health facility projects are coordinated with national government partners to ensure compliance with standards. He noted that designs are validated with the Department of Health (DOH) before implementation.
Also present at the event were OIC–City Health Officer Grace Padilla, city councilors, personnel of the San Nicolas Health Center, barangay health workers, and barangay nutrition workers.
Domagoso assured the healthcare workers that the city’s responsibility is to provide them with a safe workplace, while the responsibility to deliver compassionate service rests with those assigned to the facility.
“We are investing in you, your City Government, for you to have a better working environment,” Domagoso said. “Ipakita ninyo ‘yung pagmamahal, pagmamalasakit. Ipakita ninyo sa kanila ‘yung pasensya.”
