Makati City Mayor Abby Binay held her 7th State of the City Address on Tuesday, Jan. 10, highlighting the city's numerous achievements specifically in improving the distribution of public services to its residents as well as the importance of environmental awareness.
Binay said the city is one of the first cities in the country to achieve a 100 percent Covid-19 vaccination rate. As of Dec. 29, Makati has inoculated over 558,000 residents and boosted more than 300,000 individuals, including children, against the virus.
Aside from the Covid-19 vaccination, Makati City was also lauded by the Department of Health (DOH) for ensuring that all babies and children are fully immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Binay said thousands of Makatizens benefited from the city’s free medicine program and online consultations.
Last year, Makati partnered with Life Nurture Inc. (LNI) to construct a modern hospital in District 1 and decongest the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) in District 2. The Makati Life Medical Center will have 360 beds, 192 clinics, and multiple specialty centers, including a 24/7 primary and urgent care facility, which is expected to open next month.
Makati and LNI also bagged the PPP of the Year Award during the Healthcare Asia Awards for their project.
Besides providing quality healthcare, Mayor Abby said the city continues to distribute cash gifts and incentives to senior citizens, students, City Hall employees, and residents via GCash. The city also gives free birthday cakes to over 65,000 senior citizens, Pamaskong Handog bags to more than 205,000 Makatizens and City Hall employees, and food carts to 41 vendors.
In terms of education, the mayor 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," Binay 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, Mayor Abby said the city will also provide free snacks and drinks for public school students to ensure proper nutrition during the school day.
The mayor 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 Makatizens.
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 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, Binay said the city will provide more scholarship grants, job opportunities, and innovative programs to Makatizens to improve their quality of life.
She added that 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 (KOICA) 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, Binay said the city will also install solar panels in public schools and government offices to conserve energy and has 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," the local chief stressed.