Mayor Honey Lacuna formally opened the ‘MayniLove’ at the Mehan Garden as the city government’s Valentine’s Day offering for those who want to celebrate the month of love in an inexpensive way.
In her message, Lacuna called upon residents to encourage their friends and relatives outside of Manila to visit the place, which is a project undertaken by the city through the Bureau of Permits headed by Levi Facundo and the local economic development and investment promotions office.
“Ito ang ating paraan para kahit paano ay mabigyang muli ng pagkakataon na bumangon ang maliliit na negosyo mula sa hagupit na dala ng COVID-19,” said Lacuna, as she called upon Manilans to support ‘MayniLove’ which she said showcases micro, medium and small entrepreneurs.
Lacuna also stressed that aside from February 14, love must reign all throughout the year and one must first learn to love himself in order to be able to care for others as well.
“Ito ang panahong pinadadama natin ang pag-ibig sa isa’t- isa, ito man ay pag-ibig sa pagitan ng mag-asawa, magsyota, nagmamahalan sa pagitan ng anak at mga magulang, sa pagitan ng magkakaibigan at para sa sambayanan at sangkatauhan. Pero siyempre, dapat lagi nating isipin muna na unahin ang pagmamahal sa sarili upang tayo naman ay makagawa o magawa nating mahalin ang ibang tao,” said Lacuna.
“Ang pagpapahalaga natin sa ating kapwa ay madali nating magagawa katulad na lang kung paano natin pahalagahan ang ating mga sarili,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, Facundo said that the ‘MayniLove’ project which is under the ‘Manila Supports Local, gives every Manila resident the chance to celebrate Valentine’s month at the Mehan Garden while giving entrepreneurs the chance to promote their products.
“Aside from the Wish 107.5 bus’ which was there on Feb 3 and again on February 10, the venue features live performances and “Puppy Love” for dog lovers and play pen for their fur babies plus more surprises from our partners,” Facundo said.
Facundo added that dog owners are allowed to bring their pets provided they are wearing diaper and they may also leave their pets in the play pen for free, while they go around the venue, where puppies may also be seen and bought and surprise gifts also await sweet couples who will be randomly chosen once they are caught on camera.
He thanked all those who made the event possible and cited ‘the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Mayor Honey’.
“Looking back, the effects of the pandemic still linger. That’s why we continue to support our local businesses especially MSMEs through the Manila Support Local activities like MayniLove! The goal is to continue to assist our MSMEs in a creative, innovative yet efficient way,” Facundo said. (JERRY S.TAN)
