28 September 2023, Seoul. The City of Manila won the Silver Award under the Human-Centricity Category of the Seoul Smart City Prize organized by the WeGO (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization) in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government during the 6th WeGO General Assembly held from 25-27 September 2023 in Seoul, Korea.

The General Assembly which was held alongside the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum (WCSMF) in September brought together delegates from 50 cities across 30 countries. The WCSMF discussed ways to enhance the livability and sustainability of cities around the world. It likewise provided a platform to learn about best practice approaches to city governance as well as various examples of innovation in cities worldwide.

Manila was cited for its enhanced virtual information platforms to bring services and information closer to the public. Building on lessons learned from the pandemic, Manila is taking major steps to make services and information more easily accessible to constituents. By championing the needs of its residents first, the city received the recognition from a distinguished international jury of urban planning, technology, and governance experts.

The award was handed over by Seoul City Mayor Oh Se-Hoon to Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin (Yul Servo) Cruz Nieto. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-de Vega and other senior officials from the Manila City Government were likewise on hand to witness the event.

Joining the WeGO General Assembly were other Philippine local government officials including La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega David, and Quezon City Administrator Michael Alimurung.

The Philippines is one of the active country members of the WeGO with several major cities across the different regions being engaged with the organization. END