Outgoing Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed to continue serving his constituents until his last day in office and despite his presidential campaign activities.

Wherever fate will take him, Domagoso said he will try to be of service in whatever way he can.

“That’s why we will continue to be better in our field of undertaking. Sa maliit kong kaparaanan, may awa ang Diyos, pipilitin kong maging masinop, mainam at episyente kayong mapaglingkuran hanggang sa huling araw sa Lungsod ng Maynila (In my own little way, with the help of God, I will try to be more prudent and provide efficient service until my very last day in the City of Manila),” he said at the “People of the Year 2022” awards night of PeopleAsia Magazine at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Monday.

The event honored 14 leaders, achievers and newsmakers, including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, actor John Arcilla, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, and reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva.

Domagoso thanked the magazine for recognizing what he called his “small effort” in improving the quality of life of Manileños.

The award, Domagoso said, would inspire him to become better, do more, and continue true and efficient service.

He acknowledged his fellow government workers, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and the city council for their dedication, hard work, and full support to achieve their dream of a better Manila.

“’Yung aming pinangarap together on rebuilding Manila in 10 years, despite the pandemic, all happened in two years. So, puwede pala, posible pala. I owe it to them. Whatever naririnig niyo sa Maynila, hindi ko po kaya ‘yun na mag-isa. Nagawa po ‘yun dala ng pakikipagtulungan ng bawat isa (Our collective dream of rebuilding Manila in 10 years happened in two years despite the pandemic. So, it’s doable and I owe it to them. Whatever achievements we did in Manila, I did not do it alone. We did those together),” he said.

Domagoso also recognized and honored fellow city hall workers who sacrificed and risked their lives, so that others will survive the pandemic.

He praised front-liners who left their families and helped him for three straight months, with most of them not going home amid the confusion and fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m very proud of them, at sumalangit nawa ang ilan sa kanila (May they rest in peace). They paid the ultimate price, and I share this award with them and their family, those who succumbed to the infection by doing public service, in taking care of others,” Domagoso said.

He also dedicated the award to his late parents whom he said never gave up on him, and his wife and children for their untiring support. (PNA)