Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay has presented the city’s accomplishments over the past year, highlighting its success in providing basic services to its citizens, including improved access to healthcare and education.
In her 7th state of the city address, Binay said thousands of residents benefited from the city’s free medicine program and online consultations.
The city government is currently rushing the construction of a modern hospital meant to decongest the existing Ospital ng Makati.
The upcoming Makati Life Medical Center, a project in partnership with Life Nurture Inc. (LNI), will have 360 beds, 192 clinics, and multiple specialty centers, including a 24/7 primary and urgent care facility. It is expected to open next month.
Makati and LNI also bagged the private-public partnership (PPP) of the Year Award at the Healthcare Asia Awards for their project.
Binay said Makati was one of the first cities in the country to achieve a 100-percent vaccination rate. As of Dec. 29, 2022, the city has over 558,000 fully vaccinated Makatizens and more than 300,000 boostered individuals, including children, she said.
Makati was also recognized by the Department of Health for ensuring that all babies and children are fully immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Besides providing quality healthcare, Mayor Binay said the city continued to distribute cash gifts and incentives to senior citizens, students, City Hall employees, and residents via GCash.
The local government also provided free birthday cakes to over 65,000 senior citizens, Pamaskong Handog bags to more than 205,000 residents and City Hall employees, and food carts to 41 vendors.
In terms of education, Binay said the city distributed new bags, uniforms, rubber shoes, school supplies, rain gear, anti-dengue kits, and hygiene supplies to over 87,000 students.
“As early as March, we started implementing in-person learning, taking into consideration the safety and welfare of students and teachers. Our commitment to providing quality education is unwavering, even amid the challenges of this pandemic,” she said.
The mayor said the city has also installed air purifiers, UVC lights, temperature scanners, and alcohol dispensers to ensure the safety of students.
This year, the city government will provide free snacks and drinks for public school students to ensure they have proper nutrition during the day.
Binay said the city also opened its newly renovated library at Makati City Hall Building 1 for students and researchers and seven barangay community and sports complexes to boost the community spirit of her constituents.
She also said the city has launched the Resiliency Innovation Sustainability and Entrepreneurship or RISE Challenge with the University of Makati, Ronin Group, and Digital Pilipinas to support tech startups.
The mayor also reconvened the Makati Business Development Council last year and started hosting the monthly National Day Celebration with Makati-based embassies and consulates to strengthen ties and bolster international cooperation.
For this year, the city will provide more scholarship grants, job opportunities, and innovative programs to Makatizens to improve their quality of life.
Binay said her administration will focus on good local governance and continue innovating solutions through sustainable measures such as renewable energy, green technology, and electric mobility.
Last August, the city signed an agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency to create a smart bus system. Construction will start this year and is expected to be fully operational by 2025.
Following her declaration of climate emergency last year, Mayor Binay said the city will also install solar panels in public schools and government offices to conserve energy.
Binay asked for the support of businesses to prioritize sustainability and focus on reducing their carbon footprint by utilizing eco-friendly materials in production and improving resource efficiency.
She also urged the private sector to work with local communities to create solutions that will benefit everyone.
“I am confident that with our collective efforts and dedication, we can make this a reality. Together, let us continue to strive towards creating a sustainable world not just for Makati but for all,” she said.
