Maria Sheilah “Honey” Honrado Lacuna-Pangan (born May 6, 1965) is a Filipina physician and politician who has served as the 24th and first female Mayor of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, since 2022. Prior to her tenure as mayor, she served as the city’s 27th Vice Mayor from 2016 to 2022, Officer-In-Charge of the Manila Department of Social Welfare from 2013 to 2015, and a member of the Manila City Council from 2004 to 2013. She is the daughter of former Manila Vice Mayor Danilo “Danny” Lacuna.
Early Life and Education
Lacuna was born in Manila to Danilo Lacuna, a lawyer and politician, and Melanie Honrado, a former Philippine National Bank (PNB) executive. She pursued a degree in Biology at the University of Santo Tomas and later obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. After passing the physician board examination in 1992, she completed her residency training in dermatology at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center.
Political Career
City Councilor (2004–2013)
Lacuna entered politics in 2004 when she was elected as a member of the Manila City Council, representing the 4th District. She served for three consecutive terms until 2013, focusing on healthcare, social welfare, and community development programs.
Manila Department of Social Welfare (2013–2015)
After her tenure as a councilor, she was appointed as Officer-In-Charge of the Manila Department of Social Welfare. During this period, she implemented various welfare programs aimed at supporting underprivileged sectors in the city.
Vice Mayor of Manila (2016–2022)
Lacuna was elected Vice Mayor in 2016, becoming the second female to hold the position in Manila’s history. She was re-elected in 2019 and played a significant role in advancing health and social welfare programs. She also worked closely with then-Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on various city-wide initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, healthcare expansion, and public safety measures.
Mayor of Manila (2022–present)
In the 2022 elections, Lacuna made history as the first female Mayor of Manila, succeeding Isko Moreno. Her administration has prioritized healthcare, education, livelihood programs, and waste management reforms.
During her tenure, she addressed waste collection challenges in Manila, notably in response to criticism from former Mayor Isko Moreno. She defended her administration, stating that the garbage issue arose due to a dispute with a private contractor allied with her predecessor. She has emphasized that Manila is not in a state of decay, countering allegations of increased crime and uncleanliness.
Her leadership has also been marked by her commitment to direct public service, evident in initiatives like the “Serbisyong Direkta sa Tao, Tapat at Totoo” program. She has consistently engaged with Manileños through motorcades, rallies, and community visits, demonstrating her hands-on approach to governance.
Political Stance and Advocacy
Lacuna has been vocal against misinformation and political opportunism, urging transparency and accountability in governance. She has taken a firm stance against corruption, emphasizing that her administration remains “Tapat at Totoo” (Honest and True). Her public speeches reflect her resolve to protect the gains of her first term and continue initiatives benefiting the people of Manila.
Her administration also supports small businesses and vendors, particularly in Divisoria, ensuring that they receive fair treatment and protection from extortion and harassment.
Personal Life
Beyond politics, Lacuna remains dedicated to her medical profession and community service. She is married and continues to advocate for public health initiatives in Manila. Her leadership style has been likened to that of a nurturing mother, balancing firmness and compassion in governance.
Legacy and Impact
As the first female Mayor of Manila, Lacuna has broken barriers and paved the way for more women leaders in Philippine politics. Her administration’s focus on healthcare, education, and social welfare has cemented her reputation as a leader committed to genuine public service. Whether facing political challenges or addressing the city’s most pressing concerns, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift the lives of Manileños.
Under her leadership, Asenso Manileño continues to push for sustainable development and progressive governance, reinforcing the city’s position as a thriving and inclusive metropolis.
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