Dutch envoy, Isko trade ideas in courtesy call

Netherlands Ambassador Saskia de Lang on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso at the Mayor’s Office, Manila City Hall, to talk about future plans for the capital.

The two exchanged ideas and plans for future development of the nation’s capital, as well as addressing the environmental impacts of progress.

Domagoso shared the initiative of cleaning and clearing the city’s streets through the joint effort of Department of Public Services and Department of Engineering and Public Works.

“As local government, we created a task force who will clean and clear the streets. We are now addressing these concerns as well as the air quality in the city,” Domagoso said.

The mayor also tackled the challenge of uniting a city of various beliefs and conflicting interests.

“Manila is very diverse. There’s always a story to tell. The most expensive thing is peace. It’s hard to achieve but everybody should anchor to hope,” Domagoso said.

De Lang then praised Domagoso’s strong political will, and offered to collaborate in projects involving open green spaces and environmental conservation.

“If you have any ideas, please communicate with us. We’re hoping that this is the start of our collaboration and we want to support programs for nature,” De Lang offered.