METRONEWS December 16 , 2011
Lim cites 6 Manila hospitals, staffs
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

THE doctors, nurses and staff running the six public hospitals in Manila’s six districts were cited yesterday by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as ‘unsung heroes,’ even as he announced that the Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital (JJASGH) under hospital director Dr. Teodoro Martin is now second to Fabella Hospital when it comes to the number of deliveries being handled.

Lim, during a short message that preceded a gift-giving activity for all admitted patients, also lauded Martin for all the positive feedbacks City Hall has been getting regarding the quality of service being given at the JJASGH.

The mayor received a rousing welcome from the hospital staff and the patients themselves when he paid them a personal visit yesterday, as the quadruplets successfully delivered there five months ago were also presented by their proud parents to him .

Lim thanked Martin and his able management team that included chief of clinics Dr. Helen Yulde and medical specialist surgeon Dr. Oscar Moreno, among others, for making him proud by providing service that does not pale in comparison to the kind being offered in private medical institutions.

“Pinatutunayan ng mga natutuwa at kontentong pasyente na nagpapasalamat sa pamamagitan ng mga email, tawag at personal na pasasalamat na tama ang naging desisyon ko na magpatayo ng mga pampublikong ospital sa bawat distrito ng Maynila,” Lim said.

Lim was joined by Martin, Yulde, Moreno, Councilor Josie Siscar and barangay chair Irene Rillo in distributing Christmas gift packs and cash gifts to the indigent patients from the hospital’s upper floors down.

Martin, meanwhile, reported to Lim that aside from the quadruplets, the JJASGH has already delivered a total of 40 patients with multiple gestation, three of which are cases of triplets while the remaining are twins.

It was also learned that on a monthly basis, a total of 500 to 600 patients are admitted there for delivery while the minimum number of those being attended to on a daily basis is 1,000, covering all divisions such as emergency room and outpatient department.

The JJASGH is one of the five hospitals established by Lim per district in addition to the then only existing hospital, the Ospital ng Maynila, when he first assumed as mayor, for the purpose of providing free medical services to the poor residents who cannot afford the spiraling costs of treatment and medicines.

METRONEWS December 3 , 2011
Lim wants to make Manila PH’s cleanest
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

MAYOR Alfredo S. Lim yesterday called on barangay officials to take the lead in making Manila bid for the record of being the cleanest city, if not in the entire country, at least in Metro Manila.

In his speech at the inauguration of the newly-concreted Calamba Street stretching from Maceda to Antipolo Streets in Sampaloc, Lim cited reports saying that out of 200 most livable cities, Manila placed 128th and that in Southeast Asia, Singapore has been ranked as the cleanest.

Lim said that of the criteria cited, he is interested in the aspect of cleanliness which can only be achieved more effectively if barangay officials will actively campaign and lead their constituents toward cleanliness.

“Sa aspetong cleanliness, dun tayo pumasok.  Mura lang naman ang walis- tingting.  Kayang-kaya  naman siguro `yan ng budget ng mga barangay,” Lim told the barangay officials present, led by Chairmen Bong Marzan and Olie Policarpio, who, along with city officials headed by his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, also attended the inauguration of the said street.

Lim expressed hope that through a city-wide cleanliness effort, Manila’s ranking may improve the next time around.          

He stressed that if barangay officials themselves, particularly the chairmen, will take the lead in cleaning up the sidewalks and streets falling under their respective areas of jurisdiction, the residents will likely follow suit.

“Kaya malinis ang isang lugar ay dahil sa mga taong nakatira.  Tayo rin naman ang nagpapadumi sa isang lugar, kaya dapat lang na tayo din ang maglinis,” Lim said.

The mayor also called on the residents to couple the road concreting efforts with clean surroundings and presentable facades.

METRONEWS October 21 , 2011
Lim gives 230 poor families P1.1-M livelihood capital
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

A TOTAL of 230 indigent families wanting a chance at a decent means of livelihood were given that opportunity by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as he awarded them with a total of P1,109,000 in capital assistance.

Assisted by first district Councilor Nino Dela Cruz and Manila Department of Social Welfare chief Jay Dela Fuente, Lim distributed the assistance to the beneficiaries from Barangay 20, Isla Puting Bato in Tondo during simple ceremonies held at the Manila City Hall.

“Tayo ay narito dahil sa kautusan ng ating Pangulong Noynoy Aquino kay DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman para makatulong sa mga kapatid nating mahihirap  Kaya naisipan ni Secretary Dinky ang proyektong ito upang turuan kayo ng sari-saring klase ng pangkabuhayan at bigyan ng puhunan. Ang Lungsod ng Maynila ay tumutulong lamang sa DSWD. Kasabay nito ay ang aming pangaral sa inyo na palaguin ninyo ang perang ipinagkatiwala sa inyo ng pamahalaan para na rin sa inyong mga anak,” Lim told the recipients of the livelihood assistance.   

He also explained that the Self Employment Assistance -Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which is being implemented in partnership with the city government of Manila, provides capability building and capital assistance to disadvantaged families to undertake income-producing projects and gain opportunities to develop positive work habits and attitudes, improved capacity  to utilize labor and income oriented community services.

The beneficiaries are chosen from among the family recipients of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 P’s) who passed the means test and household profiling for livelihood assistance.                     

Very qualified beneficiary is entitled to avail of the capital assistance ranging from a minimum of P3,000 to a maximum loan amount of P10,000, depending on the kind of livelihood project the beneficiary is planning to put up.

The amount loaned shall then be returned to the DSWD within two years on a rollback term using an interest-free and non-collateral scheme.  Weekly repayment amount shall be deposited at the Land Bank of the Philippines wherein the deposit slip will serve as proof of payment of the member. 

A possible re-loan for project expansion or growth can be availed of by the beneficiary with good track records.

METRONEWS October 10 , 2011
Bgy exec heeds Lim, launches massive clean-up drive
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

HEEDING the call of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for barangay officials to take the initiative in constantly cleaning their surroundings, third district Barangay Chairperson Thelma Lim launched a massive clean-up drive in her area of jurisdiction with a call for all the residents to follow.

Thelma, who heads Barangay 310, Zone 31 in Sta. Cruz, Manila, has also started an information dissemination campaign to educate her constituents on the ill effects of having dirty surroundings.

According to her, the mayor is constantly calling on residents to spare at least ten minutes of their time everyday to clean up one’s frontage or immediate vicinity.

The call is made to avert the spread of illnesses associated with unclean surroundings, particularly dengue which, in several instances, has proved to be fatal.

Thelma said that for her part, the residents should take the initiative to keep their surroundings clean at all times without being told to do so.

To prove her point, Thelma personally led the other barangay officials in her area in cleaning up certain areas falling within her jurisdiction, joined by Manila City Jail female dorm warden Col. Esmeralda Asusena and Manila Police District Station 3-Alvarez police community precinct chief Maj. Perly Acuna, among others.

Particularly, the chairwoman stressed the importance of getting rid of stagnant water which breeds dengue-carrying mosquitoes and other insects that may bring about diseases.

“While Mayor Lim has established health centers and hospitals where the sick residents may get medical treatment for free, there is nothing better than avoiding getting sick at all,” she said.

METRONEWS October 9 , 2011
Lim gives hope, relief goods to Bulacan flood victims
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

ONCE again, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim proved that his concern for those in need knows no boundaries.

This, after he went all the way to Bulacan yesterday, to distribute some 5,200 bags of relief goods to the typhoon victims, in coordination with business magnate Lucio Tan’s Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc.

Before proceeding to Bulacan, Lim met with Tan at the Century Park in Manila where he personally received the relief goods packed in plastic bags as well as some 2,000 five-liter bottles of mineral water intended for the evacuees.

Tan was represented during the distribution of relief goods by his assistants Philip Sing and Elizabeth Alba who said each bag contained basic commodities such as noodles and rice.

At the turnover of the goods, Lim lauded Tan for extending assistance and said he is worthy of emulation by other business tycoons. “Through the help of Mr. Tan’s `Hope Caravan’, we are sending the message to the typhoon victims not to lose hope.  We also hope that other businessmen will follow suit,” he added.

Lim proceeded to Malolos, Paombong, Bocaue and Calumpit, which were the hardest hit by Typhoon Pedring and where most areas remain flooded. He was met and subsequently assisted in giving away relief goods by Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado, Vice Governor Daniel Fernando and Mayors Christian Natividad and James de Jesus and Vice mayor Zar Candelaria.

Seven truckloads of relief goods were handed over by Lim to the typhoon victims, assisted by his officials led by chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, department of public services chief ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar, city security force chief Maj. Nick Amparo, city engineer Armand Andres, consultant Toto Ong, Dr. Allan Hernandez  and Manila traffic enforcement unit chief Lt. Col. Reynaldo Nava.

Meanwhile, Lim directed Dr. Teodoro Martin, chief of the Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau chief Nancy Villanueva to take care of the simultaneous distribution of two truckloads of  relief goods in Lim’s hometown in San Miguel, Bulacan.

The Bulacan officials thanked Lim for being concerned with the plight of their residents, saying his presence there would hopefully move others to also extend much-needed assistance there.

Lim, a native of Bulacan, was warmly welcomed not only by the said officials but also by the residents who patiently waited for the distribution to finish so they could have their pictures taken with him.

Barangay officials in the said areas visited by Lim, meanwhile, commended the mayor for going out of his way to help the residents of Bulacan, all the way from Manila.

Lim said as far as Manila is concerned, all the needs of those who were affected by ‘Pedring’ have been taken cared of, even as help for them continues to be given by the city government and kind-hearted private individuals.

For his part, Alvarado said Lim’s effort is a big moral booster for the typhoon victims. This was echoed by De Jesus, who told Lim: “Maraming salamat at napakalaking tulong nito sa amin.”

METRONEWS September 29 , 2011
Lim: Manila back to normal
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

MAYOR Alfredo S. Lim yesterday said that everything displaced by Typhoon Pedring in Manila is expected to be restored to full normalcy by tomorrow (Saturday), except for the baywalk area which was the hardest hit after a huge portion of the seawall collapsed due to strong waves.

Citing updates from concerned department heads, Lim said that the department of public services headed by ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar and City Engineer Armand Andres have jointly cleared the roads and streets of debris leaves and fallen trees, numbering to about 100 in all.

Baltazar said the 1,500 tons of garbage being collected in the city on a daily basis increased by 50 percent owing to the garbage brought about by floods caused by the typhoon, although he gave the assurance that even the sidewalks will be cleared by tomorrow.

According to Baltazar, at least four truckloads of trash were collected daily from the Roxas Boulevard stretch alone for the past couple of days.

Andres, meanwhile, said the city government will have to spend between 10 and 15 million pesos in the restoration of the baywalk area alone, after all the bricks in the area gave way.

The fallen statue of former Mayor Arsenio Lacson has been reinstalled and the roof of the Del Pan complex which was also blown away by strong winds, along with a portion of the roof housing the courts in City Hall, had been fixed, Andres reported.

Manila Social Welfare Department chief Jay dela Fuente, meanwhile, said that the evacuation centers are expected to be cleared also by tomorrow as the weather already allowed the evacuees to go back to their respective homes.

As of this writing, Dela Fuente said the P. Guevarra Elementary School, where those initially housed in Del Pan complex were transferred, had already been cleared of evacuees.

The Baseco covered court, meanwhile, still has 1,106 evacuees who  may be discharged either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Ospital ng Maynila (OsMa) assistant director Dr. Evangeline Morales, meanwhile, said that power supply had been fully restored in the hospital although the emergency room is yet to become fully operational although it had been disinfected already.

Morales, who personally supervised the cleaning operations and the transfer of the patients to higher floors when  floodwaters  entered the hospital’s ground floor last Tuesday, said the main problem now besetting the hospital is lack of water, after its motor pump was destroyed by the floods.

She cited the help being extended by fire volunteers from Ermita in supplying the hospital with water which is badly needed for cleaning, flushing and washing purposes.

So far, Morales said, the outpatient department, emergency room, laboratory and X-ray sections, Hemodialysis and Trauma Sections are again fully operational while the other sections affected by the flood are still being cleaned up.  These include the following sections: medical records, admitting, kitchen, stockroom, family medicine, special consultation, ultrasound, linen, dermatology and social work.          Morales cited the utility personnel of the hospital for successfully clearing the parking area, frontage and emergency room of OsMa in no time and the help of the fire volunteers in the area.

She lamented that one of the volunteers, identified as Sir John Murphy Corre, died a day after actively participating in the clean-up operations in the hospital.

METRONEWS September 23 , 2011
Lim lauds MDTEU for arrest of driver in bloody mishap
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday lauded the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MDTEU), particularly its chief, Supt. Reynaldo Nava, for the swift arrest of the driver of the ill-fated Earth Star Express bus that killed one and injured 15 others in Lawton, Ermita, as it sped downhill along Quezon Bridge.

Lim also directed his chief of staff and media bureau director Ric de Guzman to study what assistance the city government may extend to the victims of the accident, without prejudice to what the bus company should provide them.

According to De Guzman, the city employees injured were identified as Ma. Estela Garais, 47, Homer Bondoc, 49, and Roselle Roces, 39, all assigned at the  city treasurer’s office. 

Garais, he said, was rushed to the Manila Medical Center and subsequently transferred to V. Luna Hospital and was the most seriously injured while the other two were brought to the Ospital ng Maynila (OSMA).

De Guzman has directed OSMA assistant director Dr. Evangeline Morales to ensure that all the needed medical attention will be given the two city employees until they are ready for discharge.

As of this writing, De Guzman has told Dr. Morales to prepare a report on the status of the said employees.

Meanwhile, in his report to the mayor, Nava said that the driver, identified as Richard Enero, 41, was nabbed at around 3 p.m. by his anti-colorum operatives in the company’s garage in Fairview, Quezon City, the other day, only hours after the incident that occurred at around 8 a.m. The police is still looking for his conductor identified as Dante Molina. Both are stay-in employees of the said bus company.

Nava added that the owner of the bus is identified as Louie Burgos and based on their probe, the bus regularly plies the Fairview-Baclaran route.

Right after the incident, Lim directed Nava to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and make those liable answer for their crime.

Initial reports show that the said bus, with plate number PWG-638, had just come from Quiapo and was allegedly overspeeding while negotiating the descending portion of the Quezon Bridge toward Taft Avenue, causing it to ram into a number of vehicles in Lawton.                                                              

Rolando Roldan, 56, a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, and whose son is said to be a policeman assigned at Camp Crame, was then crossing the road toward the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) office when he was  hit by the said bus and killed instantly, before it rammed into a public utility jeepney which, in turn, hit several other vehicles.

Nava said charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property with homicide and multiple physical injuries were filed against the driver before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office.

METRONEWS September 16 , 2011
Lim vows to end Customs corruption
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

“WE will not treat you with kid gloves!”

Thus declared former Army General Danilo Lim as he vowed to crush corruption and crackdown against smugglers at the Bureau of Customs.

Lim, a former commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment,  took his oath of office before President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang yesterday  as the new BOC deputy commissioner for intelligence.

Lim, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Makatarungan Class 1978, showed up at Malacañang with his wife Aloy and daughter Aika.

He was recipient of various military awards, decorations, and commendations mostly for combat, field accomplishments that include the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action.

Outgoing BOC chief Angelito Alvarez formally quits his post and leaves it today when newly appointed Customs chief Rozzano “Ruffy” Biazon takes over at the helm of the BOC after taking his oath before President Aquino at Malacañang, according to presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

In a press statement, Lim vowed to fight smugglers and their cohorts inside and outside the BOC.

“Binabalaan ko kayo, itigil na ninyo ang inyong mga kalakaran at iba pang masamang balakin. We will not treat you with kid gloves. You will not enjoy undue favor and advantage in this bureau,” Lim said.

METRONEWS September 15 , 2011
Lim backs lowering of juveniles’ age
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

SNOWBALLING moves aimed at amending the country’s juvenile law by lowering the age of minors who may be made totally liable for the crimes they commit got the support of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday.                                         

Lim also stressed the need for again appraising the law and make it in keeping with the times.

He noted that unlike before when criminal syndicates were being run and operated by adults, minors are now being used owing to the ‘soft glove’ treatment being used on them. 

“I am all for reducing from 15 to 12 or even 9 years old the age when offenders may be arrested, especially for serious crimes,” Lim said, noting that nowadays, kids are being used by syndicates even in crimes such as drug pushing and robbery.

Presently, the law exempts individuals below 15 years old from being arrested and charged with criminal offenses.                                                                          

“Maraming teenagers o mas bata pa ang nai-involve sa serious crimes at ginagamit ng mga sindikato kasi mahina nga naman ang magiging kaso kapag inasunto. There must be a second appraisal of how the laws should apply. Nakatutulong ba o nakasasama sa lipunan?” the mayor said.

In Manila alone, Lim said there are also incidents where minors get involved in serious crimes but that his standing orders are for these individuals to be put under arrest and charged accordingly just the same, although they are not mixed with hardened criminals during detention.

Lim lamented that under present conditions, the youngsters, particularly those who are homeless, are being exploited by crime syndicates.

However, he noted that making the young criminals go scot-free might eventually make them graduate into becoming street gang members and end up as hard-core criminals.

METRONEWS September 8 , 2011
Lim: City hospitals to treat poor patients
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

THE city government hospitals will continue to treat people who are sick but do not have the money to pay for the spiraling costs of treatment and medicines nowadays.  

Thus declared Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim after inaugurating the newly-concreted Yakal Street in Tondo. Every week, at least one road or street is concretized in Tondo, even as their drainages are also checked against clogging.     

The mayor lamented a report from the Commission on Audit (COA) which said that the city should use its hospital funds to treat residents and which, in effect, also questioned why non-residents are being treated for free in the city-run hospitals.

“Paano naman ang gagawin natin kung halimbawa emergency case ‘yung dumating sa ospital? We need to admit.  Puwede ba na pag sinabi nung pasyente na taga-Pasay o taga-Quezon City siya, sasabihin sa kanya na bumalik ka na lang dun sa Pasay o Quezon City?” Lim said. 

He added: “We have to admit the sick, particularly those who are truly poor, for humanitarian reasons.” 

Since his first incumbency in 1992, Lim has made it a policy to have all the sick treated for free, as he invited the residents present not to hesitate to seek help should they need  it, as he acknowledged the presence of  Ospital ng Tondo director Dr. Jun Cando, Jose Abad Santos Gen. Hospital Director Dr. Teodoro Martin and Dr. Fidel Chua of Gat Bonifacio Medical Center whom he said are always ready to extend assistance.    

Also present in the said inauguration were Manila Police District deputy director Col. Alex Gutierrez and city engineer Armand Andres and other city department heads. 

The mayor also reiterated that under his administration, no voter’s ID, barangay certificate or any proof that one is Manilan is to be demanded from a patient.     

“Ang tangi kong bilin, eksaminin `yung pasyente.  Pag may sakit, gamutin,” he said.          

Each of Manila’s six districts has a hospital of its own after Lim established the Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center  in the second, fourth and first districts during his first incumbency and then the Jose Abad Santos General Hospital and the Sta. Ana Hospital during his second, for the third and sixth districts. When he became mayor in 1992,Manila has only Ospital ng Maynila serving the residents of the city’s six districts.

METRONEWS September 6 , 2011
Lim: Job awaits topnotch PLM board takers
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

SIX graduates from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) who were among those who topped the recent board examinations for aspiring doctors and therapists were extolled yesterday by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as concrete and living examples of the quality of education being offered at the PLM.

At the flag-raising ceremony held in City Hall, Lim presented the graduates whom he said have brought much pride and honor not only to their respective families but to the school and the city as well. PLM is being run by the city government under the stewardship of secretary to the mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas as its concurrent president.

Those honored at the said ceremony witnessed by city officials, councilors, among them Councilor Josie Siscar (5th district) and PLM deans Prime Rose Teodulia Lanete and Isabelita Samaniego, were led by Mary Rose Maballo who placed second for the Board of Medicine examination.  Michael Thomas Roldan, meanwhile, topped the Board of Physical Therapy examinations while those who also placed among the top 10 were Mary Grace Santos, 3rd place; Eurice  Chin, 4th place; Raymond  Bartolome, 7th place and Anna Marie Narvaez, 10th place.

Garayblas said that out of 118 PLM School of Medicine graduates who took the recent medical board examination, 98.31% or 116 examinees passed.

On the other hand, 100% or all of the 60 examinees from the PLM College of Physical Therapy also passed the recent Physical Therapy board examination.

Lim offered jobs for the board placers and successful examinees in the city’s six hospitals and medical institutions.

He also gave them cash gifts in appreciation for the pride they have brought the PLM, the city government and Manilans in general for their feat.

METRONEWS September 5 , 2011
Lim leads groundbreaking of shelter for abused women
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

A SHELTER for trafficked and abused women is now in the works at the Hospicio de San Jose in Quiapo, Manila.

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the groundbreaking ceremony of  the new shelter dubbed “The Sanctuary,” which is being built within the compound of the HSJ through donations from private organizations and assistance from the city government of Manila.

Lim, in his brief message, assured the HSJ that all assistance possible will be extended to ensure the success of the planned sanctuary which will help women who are victims of oppression, violence or other unfortunate circumstances and who need counseling and all other forms of assistance to get their lives back.

Having stayed in the said orphanage for several years during his childhood, Lim extolled the sisters running it for giving the wards a “ray of hope that somewhere out there, there is still a chance to start a new life.”

“Loneliness is hard to bear but it is highly alleviated by the kindness of the sisters  here… In one’s moment of helplessness and hopelessness, they are like angels who descended from above to extend a helping hand to those who need it,” Lim said, as he turned emotional.

For her part, HSJ administrator Sr. Ma. Socorro Evidente lauded the private donors and the mayor for actively supporting the project, including his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, saying their generosity is indeed worthy of emulation and that the show of support made them all the more inspired to serve.

METRONEWS September 3 , 2011
Lim launches city-wide feed program
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

SOME 700 children aged five and below will benefit after Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim launched yesterday a city-wide supplementary feeding program for malnourished children in the city, particularly those studying at the city’s day-care centers.

In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, private entities and the Manila department of social welfare under its director Jay dela Fuente, the city council represented by Councilor Josie Siscar (fifth district) and the city health department headed by Dr. Evangeline Rafanan, Lim led the launching of the feeding program which will be carried out in the city’s 470 day-care centers. Siscar also provided free porridge at the launch.

He also received a donation of 20 feeding modules worth P60,000 or a total of P1.2 million from Unilever vice president for corporate communications Chito Macapagal which will help fund the program that will provide children one nutritious meal a day for six months.

Dela Fuente said that in addition to the meal, a glass of milk will also be given to each child-beneficiary daily, totaling about 700 children, or 30 most malnourished children in each target-barangay in the city.

“Ang anak ng mayaman at anak ng mahihirap ay magkaparehas lang, dahil tayo ay may mga day-care centers. Nahuhubog agad ang ating mga anak dahil naipapasok natin agad sa day care ang mga bata,” Lim said.

He added: “Mayroon tayong 470 day-care centers at ang isang day care ay mayroong 30 na mag-aaral at iyon ang mga beneficiaries.  Hindi lang sila tinuturuan, sila ay pinapakain pa para lumusog.”

In his speech, Lim stressed that while the program will help provide the needed nutrition to children, he reminded the mothers present that breastmilk is still the best for babies.

METRONEWS September 1 , 2011
Lim lauds media for helping shape society
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

MEMBERS of the media were lauded yesterday by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for the role they play in shaping the country’s society, destiny and people, both then and now.

At the 161st birth anniversary celebration of hero Marcelo H. del Pilar held in his monument at the Remedios Circle, Lim led a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program attended by city and barangay officials, some descendants of Del Pilar and officers of the Samahang Plaridel, Inc. (SPI), an organization composed of veteran journalists, columnists and editors led by its chair Rollie Estabillo, former National Press Club President Marcelo Lagmay and ex-Press Secretary Rod Reyes.

The officials were led by chief of staff and media bureau director Ric de Guzman and Gemma Cruz-Araneta, deputy of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission and Councilor Josie Siscar (fifth district).

In his speech, Lim acknowledged that without the media, the wrongdoings of unscrupulous public servants will not be brought to public attention and, therefore, remain unrectified.

“Kayong mga taga-media ang nagpaparating sa mga tao ng mga kalokohan ng taga-gobyerno. Kung wala kayo, walang mangyayari sa ating lipunan. Kaya naman kami ay tungo ang ulo at sumasaludo sa inyo na mga tunay na nakikibaka at naninindigan alang-alang sa katotohanan,” Lim said, in the presence of the SPI members as well as those covering the event.

The mayor also commended the media for braving the hazards that come their way in the performance of their duty, usually in the form of libel suits.

“’Yung mga nagdedemanda ng libel, nagbabangong-puri lang ang mga ’yun. Pero alam nila kung ano ang totoo. It is unfair to shoot the messengers. Messengers lang naman ang media sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan. Ang dapat sisihin, ’yung gumagawa ng kalokohan,” he stressed.

In the same occasion, Lim praised the group of Estabillo, particularly one of their officers, columnist Neal Cruz, for bringing to his attention the fact that the monument of Del Pilar used to be within the vicinity of the Manila Zoo where it is hardly noticed.

Responding to the request for a better location for Del Pilar’s memory, Lim had the late hero’s monument transferred to the Remedios Circle and ordered the building of a fence around it to prevent vagrants from vandalizing it.

Reyes, responding in behalf of the SPI, thanked Lim for consistently according Del Pilar the attention befitting a hero.

Del Pilar, who used ‘Plaridel’ as his pen name in his writings, largely contributed to the resistance against abuses during the Spanish rule via his newspaper “La Solidaridad,” which became a vehicle for freedom fighters such as our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.  He, Rizal and Graciano Lopez Jaena established a group called “Kilusang Propagandista” which aimed to put an end to the abuses committed against the Filipinos by Spanish friars through publication.

METRONEWS August 29, 2011
Lim braves heavy rains, delivers wheelchairs
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

NOT even strong rains deter Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s resolve to aid indigent residents who have been rendered immobile either by old age, sickness or other causes but cannot afford to buy a wheelchair.

Two elderly residents of Tondo, Manila got the surprise of their lives when, amid a heavy downpour last Saturday, Lim, accompanied by department of public services chief ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar, Manila Police District deputy chief Col. Alex Gutierrez  and city security force chief ret. Maj. Nicolas Amparo, appeared at their doorsteps to personally deliver the wheelchair that was requested from City Hall by their respective families.

The recipients, 72-year-old Ceazar Verdejo of Capulong Extension and Edna Cuales, 67, of No. 36 C.Sto. Nino cor. Quezon Sts. both in Tondo, and their respective family members, profusely thanked the mayor for taking time out from his busy schedule to personally deliver the wheelchair to them.                             

Verdejo is already bedridden while Cuales had been rendered immobile by a lingering lung problem.  Lim also handed a cash gift to Cuales upon learning that she will be turning 68 this Friday.

Lim’s chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman said that Lim, believing that providing mobility would give the physically-challenged a better chance at being productive members of the society, has been personally delivering wheelchairs to those in need, during weekends and holidays since his first incumbency in 1992.

“Bakit ko idine-deliver? Kung sila pa ang pupunta ng City Hall para manghingi ng wheelchair, maghahanap pa sila ng tao para samahan sila, gagastos pa ng pamasahe at aakyat pa ng hagdan,” the mayor explained.

De Guzman said the recipients are those who cannot personally go to the mayor’s office in City Hall and make the necessary request for a wheelchair.

“Each time he delivers a wheelchair, the mayor himself checks if it works properly and then teaches the next of kin on how to properly operate it before leaving,” De Guzman added.

METRONEWS August 26, 2011
Lim fetes Dragon Boat team
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

AMID the controversies being thrown their way, members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federaton (PDBF) who recently bagged five gold and two silver medals during an 18-country competition in Tampa, Florida was feted by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim  who also expressed the readiness and willingness of the city government to support them in their future endeavors.  

“You are our ambassadors of goodwill to the world, lalo na sa mga nakalaban na tinalo ninyo,” he told the delegation headed by Marcia Cristobal, even as he stressed that those engaged in the same sport who have not taken home any medals should be the ones who should affiliate with the PDBF.

Lim also told the group to brush aside controversies and negative comments that tend to trivialize them and their accomplishments.                                                

“All Filipinos are truly very proud of you for a job well done.  Kaisa din kami sa humahanga. Pambihira ang nagawa ninyo. ’Wag n’yong intindihin ang sinasabi ng iba. You are gold medalists…’di ko maisip..nanalo kayo, ’di ba?,” he stressed.           
Lim also took a sideswipe over reported comments by a sports official that the dragon boat team members are “old,” saying, “Matanda na? tatanda rin kayo.”               
The mayor likewise chided attempts to trivialize the five gold and two silver medals brought home by the team when it was raised that the number of medals actually at stake is more than 80. 

“That is crazy. Kung ano ang napanalunan, ’yun ang dapat na bigyang halaga,” he said. 

Before handing over a P200,000 check to the group through delegation head Marcia Cristobal, Lim said the amount may not be as huge as the ones contributed by congressmen and senators “but the spirit is there.”  

Aside from being welcomed by a band upon arrival in city hall, the delegation was handed by Lim with a key to the city, which he said is usually given to ambassadors and visiting heads of state and is symbolic of the city’s warm welcome for them.    

After their courtesy call, Lim treated them to a laureate in Chinatown where, incidentally, Executive Secretary Edwin Lacierda was also having lunch. Lacierda was invited by Lim to a photo session with the team members.                           

Meanwhile, Cristobal said the team is elated by the fact that it was Mayor Lim himself who personally feted them and defended them from intrigues, knowing his busy schedule and the mayor’s principled stand on what is just and right.

“Very happy kami kasi si Mayor Lim ang nagbibigay ng parangal. Magandang atensyon ito dahil alam naman natin na si Mayor Lim ay ayaw nai-involve sa mga kontro-bersya. Ipinakita niya sa lahat na siya ay naging factual at objective lamang,” she said.   

It was learned from Cristobal that the city government under Lim had always been supportive of them, since all their practices at the Manila Bay are done in coordination with City Hall.

The PDBF bested teams from Russia, Germany, Canada, Hungary, the United States, Italy and Australia.

Also on hand to welcome the team were city officials led by chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guznan, city administrator Jay Marzan and Manila Historical and Heritage Commission deputy Gemma Cruz-Araneta, city general services officer Leanie Sanding and Manila Parking and traffic bureau chief Nancy Villanueva among others.

METRONEWS August 24, 2011
Lim leads Baseco tree-planting
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

A tree-planting activity in the Baseco area was led yesterday by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, as he called on  all the residents to do their share in the city government’s efforts to make the city green, by helping nurture the trees and allowing them to grow fully.

Lim also thanked the Friends of Imelda Romualdez- Marcos, Inc. (FIRM) for providing the century tree seedlings that were     planted within the area, where the mayor was joined by city officials led by his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, city councilors led by Councilor Josie Siscar (fifth district) and barangay officials led by chairperson Thelma Lim (third district).

According to Lim,  the parents present in the affair  should educate their children on the importance of trees and the benefits that can be derived from them, for the kids to know that trees should also be taken care of.           

Acknowledging the help of the FIRM in donating the acacia, mahogany and narra that were planted yesterday and the beauty they offer once full grown, the group was also asked by the mayor to donate fruit-bearing trees.

Lim said: “Bihira na lang kasi ang mga ganitong puno ngayon.  Alam ng mga bata ang mangga o santol pero hindi nila alam paano ito lumalaki.  Sa pamamagitan ng mga namumungang puno, may matututunan na ang mga bata, may makakain pa sila,” Lim said.

METRONEWS August 22, 2011
Lim extolls Ninoy’s principles, sacrifices
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

TWO significant death anniversaries were commemorated yesterday in Manila, during wreath-laying ceremonies led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim himself.                 

The late senator, Ninoy Aquino, Jr., was honored by Lim, city officials, students and residents during activities at the Ninoy-Cory Aquino Park at the corner of Bonifacio Drive and P. Burgos Street in Ermita,Manila, where Lim extolled Ninoy for his principles and the sacrifices he made for the sake of Filipinos.           

From there, Lim proceeded to the Manila North Cemetery to pay tribute to the Thomasites, the American volunteer teachers who arrived in the country in 1901 aboard the ship USS Thomas to establish a new public school system teach basic education and train Filipino teachers with English as the medium of instruction.                                                                                                       

During the wreath-laying wreath-laying ceremony held at the said cemetery, Lim told the crowd present comprised of officials, teachers, students and residents that holding such commemorative activities is the city’s way of showing its gratitude for what the Thomasites have done for Filipinos.                            

“They taught us the rudiments of democratic principles through the medium they were expert in -- English.  We shall always be here to remember their sacrifices,” the mayor said.                                                                                                 

He also stressed that the friendship between the US and the Philippines is not an ordinary kind of friendship, but is one that is `based on blood, sweat and tears.’                                                                                                                                                   

“They sacrificed for us and we also sacrificed for them.  During the World War I and II, our valiant forces fought side by side with the American soldiers in the fight for freedom and democracy,” Lim added.                                                          

The commemoration of their arrival 110 years ago was held at the said cemetery because it is there where the Thomasites who perished in the country for various reasons are interred. It was learned that some of them were killed by bandits while others died of illnesses such as malaria and cholera.

METRONEWS August 21 , 2011
Lim inaugurates 2 more footbridges
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

TO further protect pedestrians and motorists, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the opening of two newly-constructed footbridges in the first and second districts of the city.

Lim, who was joined by Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, said that on a daily basis, an average of 21,826 pedestrians are expected to use or cross the said footbridges located at MICT-Parola and Jose Abad Santos corner C. M. Recto, respectively.

Gracing the affair were third district Rep. Naida Angping, city councilors, department heads and barangay officials.

Lim said his office is coordinating with the MMDA for the construction of more footbridges so that pedestrians and motorists do not mix.

“Ang pakiusap namin kung maaari dagdagan pa ang mga footbridges dahil makatutulong at makakabawas sa trapik problem at masisiguro natin ang kaligtasan ng mga pedestrian,” Lim said.

Aside from substantially reducing travel time of motorists and increasing travel speed on their part, the footbridges also result in a more efficient traffic flow and the elimination of pedestrian/vehicle conflicts and accidents.

Also, Lim inaugurated two more newly-concreted and upgraded streets, namely Tuazon and Masinop Streets, both in the first district of Tondo.

Lim told those who were present that the upgrading of streets and roads is the city government’s way of returning to the people the taxes they pay to the city, as he called on them to continue religiously paying their taxes.

He likewise appealed to the residents to keep their vicinities clean at all times.

METRONEWS August 18 , 2011
Lim opens 3 more upgraded streets
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

THREE more newly-concreted and upgraded streets in Tondo, which are expected to benefit at least 3,000 residents in the area, were inaugurated yesterday by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

Joined by his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, city administrator Jay Marzan, city engineer Armand Andres, city electrician Ernesto Cuyugan and Councilor Nino dela Cruz, Lim told the residents present to help in maintaining the new streets by keeping them clean and disposing of their garbage properly, so as not to clog the newly-fixed drainages.

It was learned from Andres that the mayor has ordered the streets upgraded on the request of barangay officials and residents who complain of constant flooding in their areas.

Simultaneously inaugurated yesterday were the following: Sandico Street from Kagitingan to Lualhati; Lualhati from Sandico to Tuazon and Tuazon Street, from Kagitingan to Mabuhay. The said streets measure a total of 325 meters while the width measured between 4.5 and six meters.

In his speech, Lim announced that at least eight more streets in other parts of Tondo are also slated for immediate upgrading, also upon the request of the residents.  They are Sto.Niño, Buendia, Quezon, Zamora, Zabala, Ybarra, Baltazar and Benitez.

METRONEWS August 17 , 2011
Lim to department heads: Simplify steps for taxpayers
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

SIMPLIFY, do not complicate.

This was the directive given by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim to all the department heads and chiefs of offices and bureaus at the Manila City Hall, saying such would be an effective way to encourage the public to religiously settle their dues to the city government.

During the regular weekly meeting held in his office, Lim said the officials should devise ways to make the processes within their areas of responsibility shorter, swifter and more convenient for the transacting public.

Particularly, Lim said those who go to city hall to settle their tax obligations or pay licenses, permit fees and the like, should not be made to wait or go through complicated processes to encourage them to pay what is due the city religiously.

Instead of directing the paying public to other offices to comply with certain requirements, Lim said the heads of offices should take it upon themselves to assist the payer concerned and make him feel that paying what is due city hall is not a hassle.

“It is incumbent upon you to simplify matters in your offices.  Tanungin ninyo kung ano ang tulong na maibibigay natin.  Para hindi nila maisip na magbabayad na nga sila eh mahihirapan pa sila,” Lim stressed.

Lim said that if a payer feels that things are being made difficult for him or that he is being given the runaround when all he wanted to do is become a dutiful citizen by paying his taxes or fees, there are chances that he will lose interest in paying the next time around.

“Kung anuman ang mga requirements na kulang, huwag na ninyong ituro kung saan-saan `yung tao.  Akuin na ninyo ang pagtulong sa requirements dahil kung hindi, ano pa ang naitulong natin sa kanila?” he stressed.

METRONEWS August 1 , 2011
Lim leads tribute to 2nd Cory death anniversary
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will lead Manilans in paying tribute to the late President Corazon Aquino as the nation observes her second death anniversary today.

In line with this, chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman said Lim has also signed a proclamation declaring August 1, as ‘Corazon C. Aquino Day’.

Lim clarified though that offices remain open as the day is not declared a holiday.

De Guzman said that in line with the occasion, the mayor will lead city officials, employees, students and residents in a wreath-laying ceremony and program to be held at the Ninoy-Cory Aquino Park at the corner of Burgos Street and Bonifacio Drive in Ermita at 8 a.m. today. 

In the said site stand the monuments of the late President Cory Aquino and Senator Ninoy Aquino and that of Cardinal Sin, all measuring 15 feet tall, ordered built by Lim in honor of their contribution to democracy. The expenses for the said monuments came from Lim’s own pocket.

Meanwhile, the proclamation signed by Lim urged all Manilans to celebrate the day with appropriate programs, service and activities geared toward giving honor and tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Aquino, who has risen to become an icon of democracy in this country.     

“The late President Corazon C. Aquino as a mother of our President Simeon Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and though widowed by the assassination of her husband, the late Sen. Benigno Ninoy Aquino, led and inspired every freedom-loving to stand up and fight for his liberty and God given right, and liberated the nation that had suffered from the dictatorship,” the proclamation stated.                    

“As a President, Corazon Aquino showed sheer courage, dedication and patriotism amidst numerous bloody coup attempts as she bravely fought and withstood said attacks, steered and governed the nation with magnanimity, humility and honesty,” it added.    

Lim said the late President Aquino, is a ‘revered national heroine, an icon of democracy, God-fearing leader and a liberator of the country who had helped restore freedom and democracy.’ 

Even in her death, she continues to inspire the people to rally behind good governance and hope for a better country, free from corruption and oppression, he said.

METRONEWS July 28, 2011
Lim seeks safety measure for moviegoers vs quake
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

EVER felt scared of what might happen in case fire or earthquake struck while you’re watching a movie?

Soon, this feeling will be a thing of the past at least in Manila,  after Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday directed city administrator Jesus Mari Marzan to coordinate with theater and cinema owners in the city to formulate ways in ensuring the safety of its patrons in times of emergency situations.

In his directive, Lim tasked Marzan, who is also head of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) , to study the possibility of requiring all theaters and cinemas in the city to show video clips or public exhibition on safety measures that should be undertaken by the patrons in cases of fire, earthquake and other situations of similar nature.    

The said clips or exhibition, Lim said, are to be shown prior to the screening of a movie alongside reminders to turn cellphones off or in silent mode.

“In line with its mandate of ensuring the safety and prevention of injuries or death among moviegorers or the viewing public in general in times of emergency, the MDRRMC must undertake emergency measures to avoid or minimize the effects of such disasters,” Lim said.

As per the mayor’s order, Marzan said theaters are to show clips or exhibit live demos and guidelines before any film showing, stage concerts, performances, plays and the like, teaching the viewers on the proper action and posture to take in times of emergency such as fire, earthquakes,  commotions and other kinds of disorders affecting such establishments.

This way, he said, death or damage to property will be minimized if not totally eliminated.

Marzan said the mayor also wanted guidelines to be issued to such establishments on the proper action, conduct and posture that should be taken by the public should emergency situations strike.

The guidelines, according to Marzan, will also cover evacuation techniques and guiding the public on the exit routes.

Ushers, usherettes and employes of the concerned establishments are also to undergo basic life support and cardio-pulmonary rescucitation training, he added.

Lim said providing the public with such basic information will avoid instances where, due to panic, people tend to get into a stampede and hurt one another.

For his part, Marzan noted that even in airplanes, flight attendants demonstrate to the passengers the things that should be done in case of emergency.

METRONEWS July 26, 2011
Lim slams animal rights group
By Jerry S. Tan

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday slammed the animal rights groups calling for the shutdown of Manila Zoo and urged them to find ways to help  the animals there.

Lim made the statement during the 52nd anniversary of the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden yesterday.

He awarded plaques to private organizations who supported the zoo.

City recreation bureau chief Deng Manimbo said the Associated Ship Management Services put a costly filtration system in the zoo’s new tropical pond where rare fish species were put in.          Lim also released 3,000 fingerlings into the lagoon where the boating takes place.

“Children, especially students, get to see the animals in pictures and on film. Pero, pero iba siyempre `yung actual where they see the animals move upclose, sometimes even getting the opportunity to pet them,” Lim said,

He said the experience and happiness brought by the animals to the children and adults alike cannot be bought by money.

Lim said he wrote to ambassadors of Southeast Asian countries asking for animal donations. He said he has yet to receive their reply.

The mayor rejected offers to transfer the zoo to Tagaytay or Cavite City.

METRONEWS July 25, 2011
Lim receives day-care vans from ex-Senator Paterno
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

ONE does not have to be in government to be able to continue serving the public.     

Thus said Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as he received five mobile day-care van donations from former Senator Vicente Paterno.  

Lim said the donated mobile day-care vans will go a long way in helping the city government provide alternative learning in various parts of Manila that have illiteracy rates. 

Among the targeted areas are Tondo, Binondo, Intramuros, San Nicolas, Quiapo, Santa Cruz, Sampaloc, San Miguel, Paco, Pandacan, Sta. Ana and Sta. Mesa.

In thanking the former senator, Lim said: “Buo ang respeto sa bayan, isa si Sen. Vicente Paterno sa mga dating lingkod ng pamahalaan na kahit wala na sa gobyerno ay patuloy pa ring tumutulong sa nakararami nating kababayan.”   

The mayor said the new mobile daycare vans will supplement the existing  423 day-care centers now serving the city’s 897 barangays.   

The day-care vans are equipped with books, school supplies, a video player and a television set and cost about P150,000 each. 

It was learned that the employees of the convenience store chain owned by Paterno have volunteered to aid in the maintenance of the said day-care vans and take turns in engaging the children of barangay beneficiaries in various activities such as games and story-telling.

METRONEWS July 20, 2011
Lim, Moreno very much together
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

“I DID not apply to become former President Erap Estrada’s vice mayoral candidate nor did I ever send feelers and I am confident of the people’s support should I seek reelection as vice mayor.” Thus Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno stressed as he denied reports that he sent feelers to become the running mate of former President Joseph Estrada who is reportedly one of the city’s mayoral candidates in  2013.

Among others, Moreno said he does not even know and neither has he met the Ferdie Ramos which was quoted in the reports as having said that he (Moreno) has sent feelers or applied to become Estrada’s running mate should he decide to run for Manila mayor.

Moreno also stressed that he and Mayor Alfredo S. Lim are still very much together as the city council, which he heads as its presiding officer, continues to fully support all the programs, initiatives and policies of the city executive.

The vice mayor also said that as far as Manilans are concerned, Mayor Lim is doing very good, coping up with the hard times and continues to enjoy the support of the residents through his pro-poor programs which are also being backed by the council.

On the news that defeated mayoral candidate Lito Atienza may, this time, run against Moreno for the vice mayoralty, Moreno expressed confidence that he has the majority of Manilans behind him.

“For starters, I already am assured of  214,000 votes.  ’Yun ’yung inila-mang sa kanya ni Mayor Lim sa nakaraang halalan na obviously ay ayaw sa kanya (Atienza) kaya si Mayor Lim ang ibinoto,” Moreno noted.

Meanwhile, Moreno said the only time he got to talk to Estrada was when he bumped into him in a restaurant last week.

“I greeted him and accorded him the respect due his position as a former president but that’s it.  We exchanged pleasantries for about five minutes as I would with any other former president,” he said.

Moreno said he also asked Estrada pointblank about the rumors that he will run for Manila mayor and that Estrada reportedly said: “Eh si Lito lang naman ang mapilit eh.”

On the rumored  Erap-Atienza partnership, Moreno said: “Good luck sa kanila.”

After the initial news broke out, Estrada was quoted in subsequent reports as denying having announced that he will run for Manila mayor, even as he said that Ramos is not his spokesman nor does he have the authority to speak in his behalf.

METRONEWS July 19, 2011
Manila Zoo will stay – Lim
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

THE Manila Zoo will stay for as long as I am the mayor.  

This was declared yesterday by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, as he  made the assurance that all efforts are being exerted by the administrators and staff of the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden under parks and recreation bureau director Engineer Deng Manimbo, to take real good care of the animals housed in the zoo.        

Lim took exception to the calls of an organization for animal’s rights to shut down the zoo, with a demand for the animals there to be released in the wild. 

According to him, the animals there are all domesticated and have adjusted fully to their present home and that bringing them to the wild would be greatly difficult for them.

“Magiging strangers in paradise lang sila du’n dahil sanay na silang may nagpapakain sa kanila at nag-aalaga. Hindi biro ang pinakakain sa mga ’yan,” Lim said. 

The mayor said the zoo had been established 50 years ago, with the purpose of providing cheap entertainment and source of education for the poor children of Manila.  Entrance rates are pegged at P40 for adults and P20 for children, with special discounts given to city residents, senior citizens and the handicapped.  

He also bared that a lot of private companies and individuals have already tried to talk him into selling the zoo but that he rejected all such offers, including suggestions to have the zoo transferred to huge lots in Cavite or Tagaytay.

“Former Mayor Lacson built this zoo for the enjoyment of Manilans and not for commercial purposes.  I intend to keep it that way,” the mayor said, stressing that the smiles brought to the faces of both children and adults by the sight of animals is one thing that no amount of money can buy.

METRONEWS July 14, 2011
Lim urges Napolcom to expedite release of cops’ death benefits
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

A LOT of retired policemen from Manila have died without enjoying or even getting hold of the benefits due them for the entire years that they served in the force.

Along this line, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday requested the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to expeditiously resolve cases involving retired Manila policemen and which continue to pend before it.

During a meeting with the officers of the Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association led by its president SPO4 Virgo Villareal and former president SPO2 Antonio Emmanuel, Jr., Lim directed his officials, namely chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, city legal officer Renato dela Cruz and assistant secretary to the mayor Atty. Romeo Cairme to coordinate reagarding the matter, stressing the need for the Napolcom to swiftly decide on the said cases since their pendency has been preventing retired policemen from getting the benefits due them. Cairme himself used to be a former ranking Napolcom officer.

Himself a retired Manila cop, Lim said the authorities should allow the retirees to get their full benefits especially if the cases they are facing are service-connected or mere harassment from unscrupulous individuals or groups whom they have busted or stopped in their tracks from doing illicit activities.

“Some of the retired policemen had already passed away without enjoying their benefits at all,” Lim noted.

De Guzman, for his part, said the mayor fully understands the position of the retired policemen who have dedicated their lives to service only to feel debased upon retirement by endlessly following up on their benefits.

“It is hard to understand why such administrative cases continue to be pending in the first place when these policemen have retired a long time ago. What’s the use?” De Guzman added.

For his part, Villareal said they sought the assistance of Lim on the matter after receiving requests for representation from former Manila policemen who, despite having retired years back, still could not enjoy their retirement benefits due to their unresolved cases with the Napolcom.

Villareal said authorities in Camp Crame hold a retiree’s benefits unless he can show proof that he has been cleared of cases by the Napolcom.

According to him, going back and forth to follow up on their retirements have taken financial, emotional and mental toll on retired policemen and causes demoralization among the present crop.

METRONEWS July 13, 2011
Lim, Ricketts cited for anti-pirated discs drive success
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

FOR their bold move which effectively put an end to the business of movie and music piracy in Manila particularly in Quiapo, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman Ronnie Ricketts were given awards yesterday by various organizations representing the entertainment industry and also cited the duo for their effort in spearheading the nationwide campaign against piracy.

In a simple ceremony witnessed by City Hall officials led by secretary to the mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas and Lim’s chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman as well as Wilson Tieng of Solar Films, among others, both Lim and Ricketts, who was accompanied by wife singer-actress Mariz, were presented with plaques of recognition which contained a collage of the activities that led to the July 1 ban on the sale of pirated discs.

The plaques were presented by Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) Chairman Annabelle Regalado-Borja, Association of Video Distributor of the Philippines (AVIDPHIL) president Leonardo Monteverde, Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment, Universal Records Executive Director Ramon Chuaying and Motion Pictures Anti-Film Piracy Council, Inc. President Dominic Du.

Lim, noting the wordings of the plaque that cited them for a ‘heroic act’, said they are not heroes but mere public servants who are fulfilling their duties.

According to Lim, the city government has been actively confiscating pornographic materials which are sold side by side with pirated discs since their sale is a violation of a Revised Penal Code provision. The mayor explained that the sole prerogative on piracy rests with the OMB, which has been entrusted with the enforcement of laws against piracy via a special law that created it.

The mayor likewise explained that the city has to be deputized to be able to act on pirated discs, stressing that the coordination made by Ricketts with City Hall paved the way for city authorities to finally get to act against piracy, in full coordination with the OMB.

Lim said that following a series of dialogues, the vendors were given ample time to dispose of their remaining consigned wares, so that when the ban started on July 1, the whole Quiapo area was already cleared of pirated discs, with the vendors themselves surrendering these items in hundreds of sacks and without any resistance.

He also pointed out that when members of the Muslim community first came to Manila to escape from strife-torn Mindanao, the city government gave them the chance to start a new life. Mayor Lim explained to them that everything has to end and that now, it is time to uphold the majesty of the law, especially in the wake of a US report which branded Quiapo as one of the world’s most notorious markets when it comes to pirated items.

Alongside the report came Ricketts’ coordination with the city government for the launching of a joint campaign against piracy.

“We are certain that other cities and municipalities will react the same way against piracy,” Lim said, adding that after the cleanup in Quiapo, he has standing orders for all station commanders to ensure that no pirated discs will be found or sold in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Ricketts for his part, echoed Lim’s pronouncements, saying they are indeed no heroes but were merely doing their jobs, as he cited Lim’s all-out support to the OMB’s goal to wipe out piracy in the entire city of Manila, it being the pilot area.

According to Ricketts, what he and the mayor were able to successfully and peacefully do in Quiapo is expected to have a domino effect in other cities.

Both Lim and Ricketts were lauded by the various bodies for their courageous and decisive actions geared towards promoting and protecting intellectual property rights of music, movies and home video businesses, saying that what they have done will set a precedent and that their anti-piracy partnership will serve as a model for other cities and municipalities to follow.

Ricketts said that with the recognition given to him and the mayor, all their hard work and efforts paid off.

“It’s really very flattering and just like what Mayor Lim has said, hindi kami hero. We are just doing our job. It feels good that the hard work we put in this campaign is given recognition,” he said.

It was learned that aside from the policemen doing the rounds in Quiapo, the OMB also has its own team monitoring the area to ensure compliance with the ban imposed against the sale of pirated discs.

METRONEWS July 12, 2011
Lim brings Manila closer to cityfolks
By Itchie Cabayan, journal.com.ph

A NEW office in each of Manila’s various districts has been created to enhance the services being brought by the local government at the doorstep of its residents.

Initially dubbed, ‘Office of the Mayor’s Adviser on District Affairs (OMADA), the said offices put up by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will be handled by the congressmen or congresswomen who will serve as the mayor’s advisers on issues pertaining to their respective districts and constituents.

The representatives, namely Congressmen Carlo Lopez, Atong Asilo and Amado Bagatsing of the 2nd, first and fifth districts and Congresswomen Naida Angping and Sandy Ocampo of the 3rd and 6th districts, respectively, threw their full support to Lim and his programs of government during a breakfast meeting with the mayor, who was accompanied by chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman and Councilors Nino dela Cruz, Rod Lacsamana and Bimbo Quintos XIV.

The creation of the offices, as contained in an executive order issued by Lim, would be in pursuit of the city government’s efforts to accelerate its welfare, peace and order and beautification programs.

Lim, as stated in the order, will continue to have authority over reorganization of the said office, whose main function would be to advise the mayor on programs, policies and projects to promote the development of the concerned district and assist him on matters necessary for the following: maintenance and improvement peace and order as well as traffic; upgrading and repair of roads and infrastructures; removal of illegal sidewalk vendors and other obstructions; installation of parks and other beautification projects; and the improvement of health care delivery and education system.

The OMADAs’ other functions would also include the monitoring of programs and projects deemed critical to the district and the mayor’s office; proposing suggestions for immediate remedial actions; providing assistance in the formulation of development plans pertaining to the district; conducting consultations with concerning local government officials, business sector, academe, people’s organizations and other interest groups concerning projects; and facilitating access to the national government funding support for the development plans and programs for the district involving infrastructures such as roads, bridges, ports, schools and daycare centers, hospitals and health centers and railways.

Lim thus authorized the respective OMADAs to formulate the organizational structure of their office, to be composed of administrative and technical personnel as may be deemed necessary.

Under the setup, the OMADA may call upon any agency or office of the city government for assistance as may be needed or appropriate in the performance of its functions.

In line with this, the mayor said all departments, agencies, bureaus and offices of City Hall are enjoined to render full assistance and cooperation to the OMADA and provide information and data as may be required to carry out its functions.

METRONEWS December 21, 2010
Lim eyes PPP scheme for proposed financial hub in port area
By LEONARD D. POSTRADO, mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines — The City Government of Manila is eyeing a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme in developing and transforming the 20-hectare idle lot in the Manila Port Area into a sprawling financial hub.

Earlier, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced that the city will embark on an ambitious project of building a financial center on the property near the historic landmark Manila Hotel to regain its position as the country's business hub.

A source in Manila City Hall, who refused to be named for lack of authority to tell about the project, confirmed that the city government will be tapping private property developers to help them create the city's own financial hub.

"It has been a dream of Mayor Lim to have a financial center in Manila since he was elected as the Manila Mayor. He wanted Manila to become competitive again and to lure more investors in the city,” said the source, who showed the blueprint and animation of the proposed financial hub.

The source, however, said that the creation of the financial center in the City will only push through if President Benigno Aquino III will allow the city to use and develop the idle land.

Lim, according to the source, had been proposing the development of the government lot into a financial district since the Ramos Administration but apparently the past presidents sat on the proposal.

“Mayor Lim is very optimistic that President Aquino will allow the city government to use the lot since it will be for the benefit not only the residents living in the city but also by the whole country,” the source said.

The blueprint of the proposed financial center showed that it will be built in between the Manila Bay in the west and walled city of Intramuros in the east.

The old warehouses will be torn down and be replaced with skyscrapers that will provide office space to business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. Condominiums are also included in the plans.