MANILA Mayor Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan — or simply called Mayor Honey Lacuna — invites all residents, local government officials, employees and everyone with connections to the nation's capital to join the city's 453rd founding anniversary today, June 24, 2024. A nonworking day in the city by virtue of Proclamation 599, signed on June 19 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Lacuna says the celebration is significant as 453 years have shaped Manila into its stature as the capital of the Philippines, touted as the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
"It is but fitting and proper that the people of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the President said in his proclamation. From a series of activities since May 31, "Araw ng Maynila" culminates in wreath laying at the Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate, followed by a civic and military parade. "To all our partners, both private and public, who have helped us serve the city, thank you very much," Mayor Lacuna said.
The mayor expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed to Manila's growth and leadership among Philippine cities, exhorting citizens to "be proud of the city where you were born, raised, educated, built families and serve." Manila is one of 16 cities and one municipality comprising Metro Manila or the National Capital Region. It occupies an area of 38.
55 square kilometers, bound to the west by Manila Bay. The capital .
