Manila pursues 6 big-ticket infra projects 

A Manila that would make not only its residents proud but all Filipinos. This is the future that awaits “Magnificent Manila,” as the city continues to work toward establishing six flagship infrastructure projects designed to change the capital’s landscape, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The projects — the New Pritil Market, San Andres Sports Complex and Convention Center, the New Kalinga sa Maynila Center, Plaza Azul People’s Park, Disaster Management Office and Convention Center, and Manila Civic Greens Center — were outlined by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna during her State of the City Address on July 30 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The initiatives are in budget preparation stages and will serve as the foundation for a city that “is the very symbol of what it means to be Filipino,” Lacuna said.

The New Pritil Market will replace the one destroyed by fire last year, while the six-story San Andres Sports Complex and Convention Center is in the works with support from Manila 5th District Rep. Irwin Tieng.

To deepen ties with constituents and respond to their needs, Lacuna said a new Kalinga sa Maynila Center will be established. The 10-story building will house the Manila Barangay Center, Manila Youth Center, a theater, and a modern library, making city resources more accessible.

Kalinga sa Maynila began in 2023 as a series of forums to “bring City Hall to the people.” Held in all of the capital’s barangays, the forums allow Lacuna and her team to discuss residents’ challenges and provide assistance with help from various city departments.

Plaza Azul People’s Park, to be located under a portion of the elevated Skyway Stage 3, and the Manila Civic Greens Center, around Manila City Hall, are designed to reestablish the capital as a “green city,” Lacuna said.

To support disaster preparedness programs, a Disaster Management Office and Convention Center will also be built.

In addition to these flagship initiatives, Lacuna highlighted other city accomplishments: rehabilitation of the Lagusnilad underpass and 5,000 square meters of city roads, street lighting projects, the opening of the New Vitas Slaughterhouse and The New Animal Clinic and Rescue Center, awarding of Land of Landless Program Certificates, relocation of Estero de Magdalena, maintenance of Arroceros Urban Forest Park, distribution of burial assistance, and registration of more than 184,000 senior citizens.

Lacuna called on residents to help establish Magnificent Manila.

“Let’s start in our homes and communities; let us unite and help our city rebuild its promise to be safe, clean, and orderly, and to be the Manila that gives everyone the opportunity to succeed,” she said.