MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government in achieving sustainable development, highlighting that progress in urban areas cannot rely on public institutions alone.

In an ambush interview, the Manila mayor stressed that maintaining safety and cleanliness in Manila is a shared responsibility between the local government and its citizens. According to him, while the city government has the duty to implement policies and provide services, the public must also actively participate in keeping communities clean and orderly.

“Safety and cleanliness is the job of the city government, at the same manner it is also a job for everyone,” Domagoso said, underscoring the need for collective action rather than dependence on authorities alone.

Alongside this, the mayor highlighted the continued implementation of the city’s in-city vertical housing program, which aims to provide decent and accessible housing for families within Manila. The initiative seeks to relocate informal settlers into safer, organized living spaces without displacing them far from their livelihoods, schools, and essential services.

At face value, the message is both practical and necessary. Urban challenges such as waste management, housing, and sustainability are too complex to be solved by government efforts alone. Engaging the private sector and the public creates a broader support system that can accelerate progress.

However, the idea of “shared responsibility” also raises an important point of reflection. While citizens are expected to cooperate, their ability to do so often depends on the systems in place—availability of waste facilities, enforcement of regulations, accessibility of housing, and consistency of public services.

Collaboration works best when both sides are equally empowered. Without proper infrastructure and accountability, the burden may unintentionally shift more toward citizens than institutions.

This highlights a deeper conversation about governance: partnership should not dilute responsibility, but strengthen it.

When responsibility is shared, how do we ensure that accountability is not divided—but strengthened?

(Larawan mula: MANILA PIO / Facebook)