Whenever ‘Manila’ is mentioned, it must be noted that in the international community, it normally refers to Metro Manila as a whole. It just happened.
While it is a source of pride that the word ‘Manila’ has become that popular that foreigners even usually refer to the entire country as such, there also seems to be some sort of a downside to it.
People not from the Philippines would usually say they are going to ‘Manila’ when in fact, they are visiting other cities and even provinces in the country.
It’s like the word ‘Manila’ had become synonymous to the entire metro or even the country in general. This is a positive thing because it only means that Manila is indeed, back on the map under the leadership of its first lady mayor, Honey Lacuna.
Lamentably, it also exposes Manila to the wrong kind of impression. Take the case of the Forbes Advisor Report raising risks concerns which is subject to being taken out of context.
Its mention of ‘Manila’ obviously means the whole of Metro Manila or possibly also includes the suburbs just outside of the capital region.
Considering the risk components mentioned “Manila” as used in the said report clearly means Metro Manila. The report indicates Manila as the fifth riskiest city among 60 international cities for tourists.
It caught our attention simply because it mentions our beloved City.
Considering the generic breakdown of the risk components stated in the news report indicating the following: Disaster Risk (highest); Personal Safety Risk (5th highest); and Health Security Risk (7th highest), we can safely surmise that the scope of these three components covers Metro Manila, not just the City of Manila itself.
Just the same, allow me to delve into the details of the said components and discuss the very reasons why I say the report does not pertain to Manila but the entire metro in its entirety.
On the safety of high-net worth tourists from disaster risks– High-net-worth tourists most often stay in hotels and condominiums, which are often inspected to ensure compliance with building, engineering, fire, and sanitation laws and standards. The City of Manila also has a modestly robust Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office capable of responding to disasters. Our DRRMO is capable of responding to all kinds of disasters.
Now on the safety of high net worth tourists from health security risks, be it known that in the City of Manila, all hotels, condominiums, restaurants and malls are well-maintained by their respective management teams and personnel. Water safety advisories are often issued for residential areas, especially the congested ones—not the places where high-net-worth tourists stay or visit.
Also note that the city of Manila’s COVID-19 vaccination and other response measures are among the best, if not the best, in the country.
Then Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is also a doctor, was in charge of the health cluster during the pandemic. That cluster handled the vaccination in Manila.
When it comes to safety of high net worth tourists from personal security risks, the risk to high-net-worth tourists is low in the City of Manila because of the professionally-run Manila Police District and private security agencies located in the city.
The Manila Police District is quite mindful of its mission to keep everyone safe in the city and they have been performing well. Just the same, we keep reminding them there is always room for improvement and that they should outpace and stay ahead of the criminals.
Undoubtedly, the City of Manila is doing its part to reduce risks within its borders, not just for high net worth tourists, but for everyone in the city, most especially resident Manileños.
